In a preemptive move ahead of the planned strike by UPPCL (Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited) employees, the Yogi Adityanath government has imposed a six-month ban on all cease-work protests by state government employees and public sector undertakings. The ban is aimed at preventing disruptions to essential services, including power supply, during ongoing privatization efforts within the state’s power distribution sector.

• UP government issues ban on cease-work protests for 6 months to prevent disruptions, including power supply.
• The order applies to all state government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
• Violators could face legal action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
• The ban comes ahead of a planned strike by UPPCL employees protesting privatization of subsidiaries.
• UPPCL’s board approved the privatisation of Dakshinanchal and Purvanchal power distribution corporations under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
• The proposal awaits approval from the state cabinet and regulatory clearance from the UP State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
• Power sector employees nationwide are resisting the privatization, citing concerns over job security and service conditions.
• UPPCL assures that there will be no layoffs and the land ownership of the subsidiaries will remain with the corporation.
• The UP government is optimistic about privatization success, citing weakened union opposition due to legal actions.
• A pending PIL in the Allahabad High Court restricts union activities, with leaders penalized for previous strike calls.