Maharashtra Bandh on August 24: Will Schools and Colleges Be Closed Tomorrow?

Maharashtra Bandh on August 24

Maharashtra is set for a statewide shutdown on August 24, following the Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) call for a 'Maharashtra Bandh' in response to a deeply troubling incident at a school in Badlapur, Thane district. The bandh aims to protest the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at the institution, an incident that has ignited widespread anger and calls for justice.

The MVA, a coalition of Congress, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), announced the bandh after a meeting on Wednesday.

Despite the bandh call, the Maharashtra government has not issued any official notification regarding school and college closures. Therefore, institutions that typically operate on Saturdays will remain open. However, schools and colleges that are usually closed on Saturdays will not open, aligning with their regular schedules.

Opposition parties have organised the Maharashtra Bandh, but the state government has not officially endorsed it. As a result, public transport services, including buses and metros, are expected to run as usual. Commuters should, however, be prepared for potential disruptions due to the bandh.

On August 17, a school attendant was arrested on charges of abusing two minor girls. This sparked a large-scale protest at Badlapur Railway Station, where demonstrators clashed with police, leading to stone-pelting and subsequent arrests.

As Maharashtra braces for the bandh, residents and businesses are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly.