Tue Jan 06 19:53:43 UTC 2026: # Odisha Government Imposes ESMA as Doctors Strike Over Pay Disparities

The Story:
The Mohan Majhi government in Odisha imposed the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988 (ESMA) on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, effectively prohibiting strikes by doctors, nurses, and paramedics in government and grant-in-aid health institutions. This action follows a two-hour cease-work by doctors at outpatient departments demanding salaries aligned with the Central pay structure. The government’s order aims to prevent disruption of healthcare services across the state.

Key Points:

  • The Odisha government invoked the ESMA to prevent strikes in government and grant-in-aid health institutions, effective from January 6, 2026.
  • The order applies to health professionals in various medical facilities including district headquarters hospitals, community health centers, and medical colleges.
  • The action was triggered by a two-hour cease-work organized by the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) demanding Central pay structure.
  • Over 6,000 doctors across 32 district headquarter hospitals and 300 community health centers participated in the initial strike.
  • OMSA alleges that successive governments have delayed addressing their salary demands, leading to a crisis in public healthcare.
  • OMSA plans to hold a meeting on January 15, 2026, to assess the ongoing protest.

Critical Analysis:
The imposition of ESMA highlights a recurring tension between the government’s need to maintain essential services and the rights of healthcare workers to protest for better working conditions. The historical context does not reveal the actual details of the salary demands or government offers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Odisha government is prioritizing the uninterrupted provision of healthcare services by suppressing worker strikes.
  • The underlying issue of salary disparities between state and central government pay structures remains unresolved.
  • Healthcare worker dissatisfaction could lead to further disruptions if the government fails to address their concerns.
  • The implementation of ESMA signifies an escalation in the conflict between the government and healthcare professionals.
  • The timing of the order, following closely on the heels of the strike, indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach by the state government.

Impact Analysis:

The imposition of ESMA could have a chilling effect on collective bargaining within the healthcare sector in Odisha. While it may ensure short-term stability in service delivery, the long-term impact could lead to further resentment and attrition among healthcare professionals, exacerbating the existing crisis in the public health system. The government’s response to the OMSA’s meeting on January 15, 2026, will be crucial in determining whether a sustainable solution can be reached or if further disruptions are inevitable.

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