New Delhi, July 8: The effect of Bharat Bandh can be seen across the country on July 9 (Tuesday). This strike has been called by 10 central trade unions and their affiliate organisations, in which more than 25 crore workers and employees will participate.
The unions allege that the policies of the central government are anti-labour, anti-farmer and pro-corporate, so this nationwide protest has become necessary.
Many essential services will be affected
This bandh is likely to affect the banking, insurance, postal, coal mining, government transport and construction sectors.
Banking sector: Government and cooperative banks may remain closed or provide limited services.
Postal services: Delivery of mail and parcels may be delayed.
Government bus services: Buses may be off the roads in many states.
Work may come to a standstill in coal mining and industrial units.
Insurance sector: Work will also be disrupted in LIC and other insurance companies.
Workers from the construction and factory sectors will also join the strike.
Farmers and rural labourers will also protest
This strike has also received support from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and rural labor organizations. Farmer organizations will register their protest through rallies, meetings and demonstrations in rural areas.
They are demanding the government to reduce agricultural costs, guarantee law on MSP and steps against corporatization.
Schools and colleges are not closed, but travel problems are possible
At present there is no official information about the closure of schools and colleges, but students and teachers may face problems in commuting due to disruption of public transport.
Parents and school staff are advised to get information about the situation from the local administration or institution.
♦Opposition’s support, such Bharat Bandh has happened before
This bandh also has the support of many opposition parties.
Earlier, similar Bharat Bandhs have been organized in November 2020, March 2022 and February 2024, in which lakhs of workers and farmers participated. This bandh is being seen as a link to those movements.
♦Unions said – the movement will be peaceful
The trade unions have clarified that this bandh will be completely peaceful and its purpose is only to draw the attention of the government to the problems of workers and farmers.
They say that issues like four labor codes, privatization, and cuts in public sector jobs are the main reasons for their protest.
♦No response from the government yet
So far there has been no official response from the central government on this bandh.
However, like last time, the government may call it limited in impact, but this time the number of sectors and employees involved in it can make it more effective.