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Bharat bandh today: Are schools, colleges, banks closed on July 9? All you need to know
Bharat bandh or a nationwide strike is being held on July 9 with union saying over 25 crore workers are participating
The banking sector will be among those affected by a nationwide strike, or 'Bharat bandh', called by a conglomerate of workers' unions across India on Wednesday, July 9. Schools and other educational institutions may not be affected directly, though.
More than 25 crore workers across public services sectors such as banking, insurance, postal and construction sectors are participating, a forum of 10 central trade unions in India said.
Are banks closed?
There is so scheduled or declared holiday in banks on July 9. However, a PTI report quoted an association of bank employees as saying that people working in the sector will join the Bharat bandh over common demands. Since the staff is likely to be protesting, servives at banks are set to be affected even if they are open technically.
The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, affiliated to the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), further stated that the insurance sector will also join the strike.
Will schools and colleges remain closed?
Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have not been notified of a holiday due to the Bharat bandh call and are expected to function uninterruptedly. There may be cases of some teachers' unions not working or holding a sit-in in government schools, though.
Will there be power disruptions?
Electricity supply in the country is likely to get affected on July 9 as over 27 lakh power sector workers will be participating in the Bharat bandh. Maintenance and redressing of complaints may be hit.
Will railways be operational?
There has been no official announcement about a nationwide railway strike due to the Bharat bandh yet. Commuters may expect delays in train services or disruptions due to the protests by workers. It's best to check and cross-check train timings if you are traveling on July 9.
Why is there a Bharat Bandh on July 9?
The forum of 10 central trade unions called the nationwide strike, criticising the government for not conducting the annual labour conference for the last 10 years, and alleging that the economic policies are resulting in more unemployment, rising prices of essential commodities, and depression in wages.
The forum also alleged that the government departments are damaging to the growth of the country where 65 per cent of the population is below the age of 35 years and the number of unemployed individuals is maximum among those in the age group of 20 to 25 years.
“The Bharat bandh will be disrupting services across the country. Banking, postal, coal mining, factories, state transport services will be affected due to the strike,” Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from the Hind Mazdoor Sabha said.
