What is the story about?
A nationwide strike, also known as Bharat Bandh, has been called by central trade unions on Thursday (February 12). The strike has been announced in protest against labour reforms and other economic policies that unions say weaken workers’ protections.
Banks, buses, government offices, and some industries may see disruptions, especially in Kerala and Odisha, where unions tend to mobilise in large numbers. Meanwhile, essential services like hospitals and ambulance operations will be exempted.
Here's all you need to know about the bandh planned for Thursday.
With inputs from agencies
Banks, buses, government offices, and some industries may see disruptions, especially in Kerala and Odisha, where unions tend to mobilise in large numbers. Meanwhile, essential services like hospitals and ambulance operations will be exempted.
Here's all you need to know about the bandh planned for Thursday.
What Bharat Bandh and why?
- A Bharat Bandh or nationwide strike will take place on Thursday (February 12).
- It will begin at midnight on Thursday and continue for the next 24 hours.
- A joint forum of 10 central trade unions, including the 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), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) have called for the strike.
- Depending on how widely the call is observed, people may find government offices either partially functioning or shut for the day.
- Union leaders say the strike is aimed at pressing for stronger social security measures and protection of labour rights. Union leaders say the strike is aimed at pressing for stronger social security measures and protection of labour rights. They argue that the new labour codes weaken worker protections and collective bargaining rights.
- They oppose the opposing the four labour codes that have replaced 29 previous labour laws. They argue that argue that the labour codes weaken workers' rights, reduce job security, and make it easier for employers to hire and fire staff.
- Their key demands include scrapping the four labour codes and rules, withdrawing the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act.
- They are also demanding restoration of MGNREGA and scrapping of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
- Moreover, farmers' organisations such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha have extended their support to the Bharat Bandh. They will also be protesting tomorrow (February 12) against the India–US trade agreement.
What will remain closed during the bandh?
- Several sectors may face disruptions, though the impact may vary from state to state.
- Banking and insurance services could be disrupted, as some branches may function with limited staff while others stay will remain shut, depending on turnout.
- Bus and other public transport services may run at reduced frequency, and in some areas, they could be suspended altogether.
- Factory and business activity may also slow down, while schools and colleges could see disruption in case a large number of staff members join the strike.
- Some markets and shops will also remain shut across the nation.
- One could also witness road closures across the country as the protesters may spill out on the streets.
- States like Kerala, Odisha, and Karnataka may witness a larger disruption as these states have stronger unions.
What will remain open during the nationwide strike?
- Essential services will be exempted from Bharat Bandh.
- Hospitals and medical services, medical stores and pharmacies, ambulance, fire and rescue operations, milk supply, and newspaper distribution services will remain unaffected.
- Kerala has allowed vehicles transporting Sabarimala pilgrims and those attending the Maramon Convention to operate despite the strike.
- Airports around the country will also remain functional
- While physical banking may be affected, digital banking services will remain unaffected.
With inputs from agencies
