Govt Invokes ESMA for 12 Bengaluru Services, Including Waste Management

Quick Summary:

• The Karnataka State government has notified 12 essential functions in Bengaluru under the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act (K-ESMA), 2013.
• These include solid waste management,water supply,public health services,ambulance services,crematorium operations,and related functions.
• The government stated that refusal to work by employees may adversely affect community life or cause severe hardship to residents.
• Strikes involving Pourakarmikas (municipal workers) and garbage collectors in the city could be restricted due to this move.
• Trade union leader Vinay Sreenivasa criticized the decision, stating that it undermines worker rights while failing to address issues such as timely wages and adequate equipment for municipal staff.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
By bringing key municipal services like waste management and water supply under K-ESMA protections, the Karnataka government aims to ensure uninterrupted essential services in Bengaluru city. While this is a logical action intended for public welfare during emergencies or strikes, concerns raised by labor unions highlight deeper systemic challenges like delayed payments and insufficient resources for workers on contract roles. Balanced governance requires addressing these grievances alongside enforcing anti-strike measures to prevent disruptions. Persistent neglect of worker demands may lead to unintended tensions over time despite legal fortifications against stoppages.Read more