Explanation:

The state government recently invoked the Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on Rajasthan State Road Transport Service Corporation (RSRTC) ahead of a proposed strike by Rajasthan roadways employees,

RSRTC's services have been declared as most essential for a period of three months after the invocation of the Act

The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) was enacted in 1968, to maintain “certain essential services (which if obstructed would) affect the normal life of the community”.

Major aims of the Act:

Maintaining or increasing supplies of essential commodities

Utilize the supply for equitable distribution

Fair price availability of essential commodities.

The act also works against unethical trade practices like hoarding and black-marketing.

In general, the government can invoke the Act to prohibit employees from refusing to work (strike) which can result in disruption of essential services.

The government can also force them to work to bring balance in the essential supplies.