Bharat Bandh Today: Public Services May Be Affected; Here Are 10 Things You Should Know About the Nationwide Strike
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India is witnessing a massive nationwide strike today, with more than 25 crore workers from diverse sectors voicing their dissent against government policies. Spearheaded by central trade unions and supported by rural and agricultural workers, the strike is expected to impact public services and transportation across the country.
Why Is Bharat Bandh Happening ?
The strike is a collective protest against policies that, according to unions, favour corporates at the cost of workers, farmers, and the economically weaker sections. A key grievance is the growing trend of appointing retired personnel instead of employing the youth - a serious concern in a country where 65% of the population is under 35.
Who Is Leading the Strike ?
A broad coalition of trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, and TUCC, has come together for the protest. These groups are unified in their opposition to the new labour codes, which they claim weaken workers’ rights, extend work hours, and restrict union activities.
What Are the Main Demands?
Will Public Services Be Affected?
Here are 10 key points to know about the Bharat Bandh :
While essential services like banking and education may continue, the widespread scale of the protest could disrupt day-to-day life in several parts of the country. The Bharat Bandh reflects growing unrest among India's working population, signalling the need for serious dialogue between the government and labour unions.
Why Is Bharat Bandh Happening ?
The strike is a collective protest against policies that, according to unions, favour corporates at the cost of workers, farmers, and the economically weaker sections. A key grievance is the growing trend of appointing retired personnel instead of employing the youth - a serious concern in a country where 65% of the population is under 35.
Who Is Leading the Strike ?
A broad coalition of trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, and TUCC, has come together for the protest. These groups are unified in their opposition to the new labour codes, which they claim weaken workers’ rights, extend work hours, and restrict union activities.
What Are the Main Demands?
- Rollback of new labour codes
- More government job opportunities
- Higher wages and increased workdays under MGNREGA
- Introduction of similar urban employment schemes
- A 17-point demand list has been submitted to the Labour Minister, but unions allege no substantial government response so far.
Will Public Services Be Affected?
Here are 10 key points to know about the Bharat Bandh :
- Mass Participation: Over 25 crore workers from both organised and unorganised sectors, including farmers and daily wage earners, are expected to join.
- Banking Services: Banks are likely to remain open as per the RBI calendar, but operations may be disrupted if staff participate in the strike.
- Stock Market: Trading will continue as usual with no closure scheduled.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges are expected to function normally, though regional disruptions are possible.
- Government Offices: No official shutdown, but attendance may be affected depending on location.
- Public Transport: Buses and other transport services may be delayed or halted in some areas, causing commuter inconvenience.
- Rural Participation: Strong support is expected from agricultural and rural labour groups.
- Youths’ Concern: High youth unemployment and lack of fresh recruitment are major drivers of the protest.
- Long-Standing Grievances: Previous strikes in 2020, 2022, and 2024 raised similar concerns about privatisation and job insecurity.
- Location-Wise Impact: The effect of the bandh will vary regionally, with some cities experiencing more visible disruptions than others.
While essential services like banking and education may continue, the widespread scale of the protest could disrupt day-to-day life in several parts of the country. The Bharat Bandh reflects growing unrest among India's working population, signalling the need for serious dialogue between the government and labour unions.
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