Major trade unions across India have launched a daylong Bharat Bandh to protest against government labor, privatization, and economic policies. The strike has affected transport, banking, and public services in several states.
Source Image: thehindu
Nationwide Strike Hits Key Sectors
On July 9, several trade unions called for a Bharat Bandh, resulting in widespread disruption across major Indian cities and industrial regions. Organized as a peaceful, daylong strike, the protest targets government policies related to labour law changes, disinvestment, inflation, and unemployment.
The strike has impacted:
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Public transport in West Bengal, Kerala, and parts of Maharashtra
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Banking services in select branches, especially rural cooperative banks
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Government offices and industrial hubs in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Jharkhand
While essential services like hospitals remained functional, many regions reported traffic jams, closed shops, and protests on roads and railway tracks.
Who Is Participating?
The strike is led by major central trade unions, including:
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INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress)
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AITUC (All India Trade Union Congress)
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CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions)
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HMS (Hind Mazdoor Sabha)
These unions are joined by government employees, industrial workers, farmers’ organizations, and student groups, demanding a rollback of policies they claim favour corporates over workers and the poor.
Demands of the Protesters
Protesters have issued a 10-point charter of demands, which includes:
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Withdrawal of the four new Labour Codes
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End to the privatization of public sector units (PSUs)
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Control over rising prices of fuel, food, and essentials
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Strengthening of employment guarantee schemes in both rural and urban areas
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Universal social security coverage
Trade union leaders stated that the Bharat Bandh is a warning against “anti-people economic reforms” and a call for greater worker protections.
Government Response and Public Safety
The central government has not yet issued an official statement, but state governments have been instructed to ensure law and order. Police forces in Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru have been deployed in sensitive zones to avoid clashes or disruptions.
Railway services in eastern India were temporarily halted due to protestors blocking tracks, while several schools declared a voluntary holiday in anticipation of low attendance.
No major incidents of violence have been reported so far, though isolated incidents of road blockades and group protests were seen in parts of Bihar and Odisha.
Public Opinion and Impact
The Bharat Bandh has seen mixed responses:
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Supporters argue the strike is necessary to voice grassroots concerns
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Critics say it disrupts daily life and harms economic activity, especially for daily-wage earners
Economic experts note that such strikes reflect growing unrest over unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality in post-pandemic India.
