Bharat Bandh Today: What’s Open, What’s Not

India is witnessing a major nationwide strike today, Wednesday, July 9, as lakhs of workers and farmers take to the streets in protest against the central government's economic and labour policies. The ‘Bharat Bandh’ has been called by a coalition of 10 major trade unions and farmers' groups, who allege that the government is pushing “pro-corporate and anti-worker” reforms that hurt both rural and urban communities.

The strike is expected to see the participation of over 25 crore workers across sectors, triggering widespread disruptions in banking, transport, postal services, and power supply in many states. Unions claim preparations have been underway for weeks, with strong backing from both organised and unorganised sectors.

Why are workers and farmers on strike?

At the heart of the protest is a 17-point demand charter that was submitted last year to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The unions say the government has failed to respond meaningfully to their concerns and has instead fast-tracked reforms that weaken labour rights, promote privatisation, and worsen unemployment.

The striking unions have strongly opposed the government's new labour codes, which they say will weaken collective bargaining rights, increase work hours, and remove key protections for workers. The protesters are also demanding a halt to the sale of public sector units and the end of what they call a growing trend of outsourcing and contractual hiring across government departments.

"The government is promoting a corporate-driven model that ignores workers' rights and deepens inequality," said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha.

Unions allege that the government is appointing retired officials instead of recruiting fresh candidates in sectors like Railways, NMDC, and education — a move they say is robbing India’s youth of employment opportunities.

Key services hit

Banking: Banking services are expected to be severely disrupted today. Employees affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), including members of the Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, are actively participating in the strike. Though no formal holiday has been announced, most public sector banks may see reduced operations or closures in parts of the country.

Power supply: Over 27 lakh power sector employees are believed to have joined the strike, raising fears of power supply disruptions in several states. The impact will vary depending on local arrangements and backup systems, but blackouts and reduced services are possible in some areas.

Transport: Public transport systems in many cities could face roadblocks, delays, and partial shutdowns. Trade unions have planned demonstrations on roads and near key transport hubs, which may cause traffic congestion and service disruptions. In Kerala, confusion reigns as the state transport minister claims KSRTC buses will run, while unions insist workers will join the bandh, indicating likely disruption.

Railways: While railway unions have not officially joined the strike, rail services may still see delays due to demonstrations and protests at stations and on tracks. Security has been increased at major stations to avoid any disruptions.

Schools and colleges: Educational institutions are expected to remain open, as no closure orders have been issued so far. Unless local authorities make specific announcements, schools and colleges will operate as usual.

Support from farmers and rural workers

The strike is not limited to urban workers. Farmer groups, including the influential Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have extended support to the protest. Mobilisations are planned across rural India to press for better prices for crops, job security for agricultural workers, and implementation of an employment guarantee scheme for urban areas similar to MGNREGA.

The unions have also expressed outrage over what they call the government’s failure to hold a national labour conference in the past decade. “This silence shows how detached the administration is from the ground reality of workers’ lives,” said a representative from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

They allege that essential services like education, healthcare, and sanitation are facing budget cuts while the cost of living keeps rising. “The burden of economic distress is falling on the poor, the working class, and the middle class, while corporates continue to profit,” the joint statement from the union forum added.

Participating organisations

Some of the country’s most prominent trade unions are part of this movement, including:

•    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)
•    Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
•    All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
•    Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
•    United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)
•    Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)

Also Read: Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: All You Need to Know About Wednesday’s Shutdown