A massive nationwide strike, Bharat Bandh, is likely to bring India to a partial standstill on Wednesday, as more than 25 crore workers from across sectors gear up to protest the central government’s labour and economic policies.
The strike, called by a coalition of 10 major central trade unions, is being held in opposition to the new labour codes, privatisation of public sector enterprises, contractualisation of jobs, and the rollback of the old pension scheme. Workers are also demanding a national minimum wage of Rs 26,000, a statutory 8-hour workday, withdrawal of the Agnipath scheme, and a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 under EPFO.
This is the 22nd general strike since India’s economic liberalisation in 1991.
How's the nationwide strike unfolding? Check live updates of the Bharat Bandh here.
Who is behind the strike?
The strike has been called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions -- INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC. They represent workers across both formal and informal sectors, from banking and coal mining to postal services and state-run transport.
Impact on daily life
Public services are likely to be hit across many states, particularly West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, where union presence is strong.
Banking operations may be impacted, with participation from public sector bank employees.
Meanwhile, though the Indian Railways is not officially part of the strike, disruptions due to protests near stations are possible.
In addition, toad transport could also be affected, as union-led marches and demonstrations may block highways and city roads. App-based taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses may run on limited frequency.
Schools and offices
Schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open, but transport-related disruptions may affect attendance. No state government has so far announced any official closure of educational institutions.
What remains unaffected?
Essential services such as hospitals, emergency medical care, electricity and water supply, and police operations are expected to function normally.
Retail stores, malls, and restaurants will largely remain open unless local conditions dictate otherwise.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and several agricultural worker unions have backed the bandh, vowing to mobilise protests in rural areas as well. Union leaders say the strike has been in the works for months, following the government’s continued silence on their 17-point demand charter submitted to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The strike, originally planned for May 20, was deferred in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Now rescheduled for July 9, it is set to be one of the largest worker-led protests in recent years.
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