Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has prohibited strikes in 25 categories of essential services.
The government issued a notice to this extent in the Nepal Gazette on Monday, exercising the authority granted under Section 3(1) of the Essential Services Operation Act, 1957 (2014 BS).
Under the decision, any form of strike has been banned in sectors deemed critical to maintaining public services.
The prohibited sectors include airplane and airport operation and maintenance services; cargo handling and transportation at airports; printing and government printing services; production and distribution of arms, ammunition and military supplies; telecommunications services; security-related services; drinking water supply and distribution services; tourism accommodation services, including motels, hotels and resorts; petroleum storage, transportation, handling and distribution services; hospital and health centre operations, including ambulance services; pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution services; and road and bridge construction and management services.
The ban also covers banking, insurance and electricity services, as well as the import, transportation, storage and distribution of essential commodities such as food grains, pulses, rice, salt and edible oil.
Similarly, weather forecasting and flood prediction services, mask and hand sanitiser-related services, veterinary services, services provided by the Department of Consular Services and the Department of Passport, internet services, postal and telecommunication services, and cargo transportation by water, land and air have been designated as essential services where strikes are prohibited.
