Bhubaneswar, April 28: Odisha government today brought filling, distribution and transportation of liquid medical oxygen cylinders under the provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prohibit strikes.

An order in this effect was today published by the Home Department. “Whereas the State Government are satisfied that in the interest of Public, it is necessary to prohibit strikes in the services of manufacturing, filling and transportation / distribution of Liquid Medical Oxygen by the manufacturers ,transporters and fillers during the current Covid-19 pandemic situation for the purpose of ensuring smooth manufacture, filling and transportation / distribution of Liquid Medical Oxygen in the State of Odisha and to avoid any hindrance/dislocation in such services,” read the order.

The order will remain in force for a period of six months with effect from the date of issue.