Bharat Bandh Today: What's Likely To Be Affected Due To The Massive Protest?
The strike called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions aims to protest against the central government’s "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies."
A massive nationwide general strike, Bharat Bandh, has been planned for today (July 9), with over 25 crore workers from banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, and other sectors expected to walk off the job. The strike called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions has been dubbed a Bharat Bandh, aiming to protest against the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.”
What's Likely To Be Affected By Bharat Bandh
1. Banking Services
- Disruption expected.
- Employees of public sector banks, especially in states like West Bengal, are participating.
- No official holiday, but expect delays in services like cheque clearance, customer service, and some branches may stay shut.
- Insurance sector employees are also joining the strike.
2. Power Supply
- Risk of outages or disruptions.
- Over 27 lakh power sector workers are likely to join the protest.
- Actual impact may vary by state and local utility preparedness.
3. Public Transport
- Delays and reduced availability are likely.
- Expect road blockades, slower bus/cab services, and traffic snarls in urban areas, especially during peak hours.
- Delivery services may also be delayed.
4. Kerala Bus Services
- Partial disruption is possible.
- Though the Transport Minister claimed KSRTC services would run, unions say a strike notice was issued.
- Expect limited or delayed bus operations across the state.
What's Open And Operating Normally
1. Educational Institutions
- No official closure announced.
- Schools and colleges are expected to function normally unless local authorities decide otherwise.
2. Railways
- No formal railway strike.
- Train services are operational.
- However, minor delays are possible due to protests at stations or tracks in some areas.
What Are The Unions Demanding?
At the centre of the strike is a 17-point charter of demands submitted by the unions to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. These demands include the reversal of the four new labour codes, protection of employment, minimum wage guarantees, and restoration of the annual Indian Labour Conference, which has not been held for a decade.
In a joint statement, the unions claimed the four labour codes passed by Parliament are aimed at diluting workers' rights.
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