Why Bharat bandh call today? What is open, what is closed?

The ‘Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’ has called for a day-long Bharat Bandh (pan-India shutdown) on Wednesday.

Updated on: Aug 21, 2024, 07:31:54 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

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The ‘Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’ will observe a day-long Bharat Bandh (pan-India shutdown) on Wednesday, August 21, to protest the Supreme Court's recent judgment on reservations.

Dalit and Adiwasi organisations have called for the Bharat Bandh (Representational Image)

On August 1, a seven-judge bench of Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, ruled by a 6:1 majority that further sub-classification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by states can be permitted to ensure quota for more backward castes within these groups.

Also Read: Supreme Court verdict seeks policy to define ‘creamy layer’ in SC/ST quota

Here's all you need to know:

(1.) The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organsiations (NACDAOR) has released a list of demands, including a ‘reversal’ of the verdict.

(2.) Arguing that the ruling ‘threatens’ the constitutional rights of SCs and STs, the body has also said that the central government should ‘reject’ this judgment.

(3.) Some of its demands are: ‘justice and equity’ for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes; a new Act of Parliament on reservations; release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBCs in central government jobs; a target of 50% representation for these groups in the higher judiciary; filling up of backlog vacancies in central/state government jobs, as well as public sector undertakings.

(4.) At least three political parties have extended their support for the bandh. These are BSP, JMM, and RJD.

(5.) According to Zee News, three states – Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh – will be impacted the most.

(6.) There is no official announcement regarding what will be open and what will be closed. Public transport may get hit at some places.

(7.) Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and medical facilities, will remain functional.

(8.) There is no announcement from governments on closure of banks and government offices.

(9.) Educational institutes will also open.

(10.) Organisers have urged people to participate in large numbers, and peacefully.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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