GUWAHATI: In response to the North East India Petroleum Dealers' Association (GGU), Assam's announcement of a protest closure of all retail outlets within its jurisdiction, the Assam government's Home & Political Department has taken measures to maintain essential services.
According to a notification issued by Biswajit Pegu, secretary to the govt. of Assam, Home & Political department, dated March 29, 2024, the protest closure is scheduled to commence from 05:00 A.M. on March 30, 2024, until 05:00 A.M. on April 1, 2024. The closure is expected to impact the purchase and sale of petroleum and petroleum products, including natural gas.
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To mitigate potential disruptions in petroleum distribution, the concerned district commissioners and superintendents of police across all districts have been instructed to coordinate with oil company officials. They are tasked with ensuring the smooth purchase and sale of petroleum products, with provisions to enforce the Essential Services Maintenance (Assam) Act 1980.
P.K. Bhuyan, IGP (L&O), Assam Police Headquarters, along with officials from the Commissioner of Food, Civil Supply & Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology, Assam (FCSCA&LM), will oversee coordination at the state level. District commissioners and superintendents of police are directed to liaise with these officers for guidance and closely monitor the situation to prevent any untoward incidents within their respective jurisdictions.
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The government of Assam, through the Political (A) department, has reaffirmed the classification of petroleum dealers, retailers, and retailing outlets under the Essential Services Maintenance (Assam) Act 1980. This classification ensures that these entities are subject to the provisions outlined in the Act, as previously declared in a January 4, 2024, notification, which prohibits strikes for a period of six months.
