This emergency measure was triggered just days after a formal strike notice was issued by the Goa Milk Union Employees Association and the Gomantak Mazdoor Sangh. The unions had planned to commence their industrial action at midnight on November 10, targeting the Goa State Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd, commonly known as Goa Dairy. The planned strike immediately raised concerns among officials about severe disruptions to the processes of milk procurement and subsequent distribution throughout the state.

The directive is broad and clearly defines the scope of prohibited activities to safeguard the integrity of the dairy supply chain. Specifically, the order forbids any strike or disruption in all activities related to the procurement, production, transportation, distribution, and retail supply of milk and milk products within Goa. By invoking ESMA, the government classified all services rendered by the milk union as essential public services vital to citizen welfare.

Officials justified the drastic action by emphasizing that milk is a fundamental essential commodity. They argued that any interruption in its supply chain could have serious adverse effects on both public health and general welfare. Therefore, the government’s decision was squarely aimed at preempting a crisis scenario, maintaining stability in the state’s most basic food supply, and ensuring that vital public services remained unaffected during the dispute.