A nationwide strike, called Bharat Bandh, is set to take place on July 9, 2025. This protest is organised by ten major trade unions along with farmers’ and rural workers’ groups. They are opposing government policies that they believe favour large corporations over workers. Organisers expect around 25 crore workers from various sectors to participate, including many farmers and labourers.
Several prominent trade unions are leading the protest. These include the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), among others. The strike will impact many sectors across India.
The sectors most likely to be affected include banking and financial services, postal services, coal mining, and state-run transport services. Public sector undertakings and various government departments will also see disruptions. Employees from companies like the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and other state-run enterprises in steel and minerals are expected to join the strike. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from the Hind Mazdoor Sabha stated that participation will be strong across both public and private sectors.
As for banking services, although no official statement has been released by banking unions, the bandh organisers indicate that disruptions will occur. Employees from public sector and cooperative banks are expected to join the strike, leading to possible delays or suspension of services such as cheque clearance and customer support.
In terms of education, most schools, colleges, and private offices are likely to remain open. However, some areas may see disruptions due to transportation issues. Public transport, including buses and taxis, could be affected as protest marches and road blockades occur in various cities. Commuters may experience delays or changes in their usual routes, so planning ahead is crucial.
Train services are not officially on strike, but protests may lead to local disruptions. While railway unions have not joined the bandh, previous protests have shown that demonstrators often gather near railway stations. Therefore, authorities are likely to enhance security at key stations to maintain order and minimise interruptions. Passengers should keep an eye on train schedules for updates.
The unions claim they are going on strike because the government has ignored their repeated demands. They submitted a 17-point charter of demands to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year, but they feel no action has been taken. They argue that the government has shifted away from its welfare state responsibilities, focusing instead on the interests of corporates.
Key concerns raised by the unions include the lack of an Indian Labour Conference in the past ten years, the push for four new labour codes that they believe weaken workers’ rights, and the promotion of contractual jobs. Additionally, they highlight the need for public sector recruitment and wage increases, as well as addressing youth unemployment.
Farmer organisations and rural labour groups are also supporting the bandh. Groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha plan to mobilise villagers to protest against issues such as rising unemployment and increasing prices of essential goods. They accuse the government of cutting back on spending for health, education, and welfare.
The unions are also voicing objections to various political and legal issues. They express concern over the alleged misuse of constitutional institutions and the introduction of bills that they believe criminalise protests. They also highlight changes in voter lists that might affect migrant workers and threats to citizenship rights.
In conclusion, the Bharat Bandh on July 9 will show a united front from both industrial and rural India against current government policies. People in Gujarat and across the country should be prepared for potential disruptions in daily life and plan accordingly for the day of the protest.
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