ESMA a)Essential Service Milestone Act b)Essential Service Maintenance...
Essential Service Maintenance Act
The correct answer is option 'B', Essential Service Maintenance Act. This act is designed to ensure the maintenance of essential services during times of crisis or emergencies. Here is a detailed explanation of this answer:
Definition:
The Essential Service Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a legislation that empowers the government to declare any service as "essential" for the maintenance of public order. This act allows the government to prohibit strikes and lockouts in essential services to ensure their uninterrupted operation.
Objective:
The main objective of ESMA is to prevent disruptions in essential services such as healthcare, transportation, communication, and public utilities during times of crisis. By prohibiting strikes and lockouts in these sectors, the act aims to safeguard the interests of the public and ensure the smooth functioning of vital services.
Implementation:
ESMA is typically invoked by the government when there is a threat of disruption in essential services due to strikes or other forms of industrial action. Once declared, the act empowers the authorities to take necessary measures to maintain the continuity of essential services and prevent any disruptions that may affect public order.
Controversies:
While ESMA serves an important purpose in safeguarding essential services, it has also faced criticism for restricting the rights of workers to strike and bargain collectively. Some argue that the act infringes on the fundamental rights of workers and limits their ability to negotiate for better working conditions.
In conclusion, the Essential Service Maintenance Act plays a crucial role in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of essential services during emergencies. While it is a powerful tool for maintaining public order, it is important to strike a balance between the interests of the public and the rights of workers.