Digital Goa, Oct 11 – Goa govt has invoked Essential Services Maintenance Act(ESMA) for Pharma sector firm employees for a 6 months from today. Strike in any form in all establishment engaged in manufacturing, packaging, distribution and transportation of pharmaceutical products and components thereof in pharmaceutical sector in the State of Goa is prohibited during the period that ESMA is in force. The order is valid for a period of six months from the date of issue states an order issued through the Home Dept yesterday. Earlier on June 16,2023 also govt had imposed ESMA anticipating strike by pharmaceutical workers. Goa has about 54 pharmaceutical companies, which account for 12% to 15% of the country’s total pharmaceutical production. Trade Unions have been opposing the imposition of ESMA by the govt pointing out that the govt is overstepping its authority.
