Bharat Bandh on July 9: Will schools, offices, banks and transport be impacted? Check details

A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or `Bharat Bandh` to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government." Representational pic

More than 25 crore workers engaged in sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal to coal mining, highway and construction are expected to go on a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, July9, potentially disrupting services across the country.

An association of bank employees on Monday said the banking sector will join a nationwide strike on July 9, called by the central trade unions, against the economic policies of the Centre.

Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Trade unions support the strike

A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or 'Bharat Bandh' to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government".

The unions that will participate in the protest include major national bodies such as:

Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)
Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)
Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA)
All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

Bharat Bandh on July 9: Will schools, colleges and offices be closed on Wednesday?

Schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open on July 9. However, normal operations may face disruptions in some regions due to commuting issues. Public buses, taxis, and app-based cab services could be affected as trade unions and their allied groups have planned protest marches and road demonstrations in several cities. This may lead to delays or cancellations in local travel and logistical operations.

Will rail services to be affected because of Bharat Bandh on July 9?

As of now, there is no official announcement about a nationwide railway strike on July 9. However, since large-scale protests and road blockades are expected in several parts of the country, train services may experience delays or disruptions in certain regions.

Why has the Bharat Bandh been called?

The trade unions claim that their concerns have consistently been ignored. They submitted a 17-point charter of demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year, but say there has been no serious response.