The Essential Defence Services Act, 2021

The Essential Defence Services Act, 2021allows the central government to prohibit strikes, lock-outs, and lay-offs in units engaged in essential defence services.

Key Features: Essential Defence Services: Essential defence services include any service in any establishment dealing with production of goods or equipment required for defence purposes, or any establishment of the armed forces or defence. The government may also declare any service as an essential defence service, subject to some conditions.

• Public Utility Service: The Act amends the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 to include essential defence services under public utility services. Now, a six-week notice must be given before the persons employed in such services go on strike in breach of contract or employers carrying on such services do lock-outs.