Bharat Bandh explained: What is India’s nationwide strike, who’s involved, and what’s closed?
The protest opposing “anti-worker, pro-corporate” policies may disrupt city services
Bharat Bandh: Quick facts
Expected participation: Over 250 million workers from various sectors
Supported by major trade unions and farmers’ groups
Protest targets labour reforms, economic policies, and privatisation
No bank holiday; markets and schools likely open
Public transport and power supply may face disruptions
Strike highlights economic distress and labour concerns nationwide
Dubai: Over 25 crore workers across public services are expected to participate in today’s nationwide strike, known as Bharat Bandh, on July 9. Organised by a coalition of trade unions and farmers’ groups, the protest targets what they describe as the government’s “pro-corporate and anti-worker” policies.
Travelling from UAE to India?
If you’re travelling from the UAE to India, be prepared for possible disruptions due to the Bharat Bandh. Banking services, public transport, and power supply may be affected in some areas. While no official bank holiday has been declared and the railways are not formally striking, minor delays and protests near stations could occur. Schools, colleges, and government offices are expected to remain open. Travellers should monitor local updates and plan for potential delays.
From who’s participating to which services may be disrupted, here’s a quick guide to what to expect during the July 9 protest across India.
What is Bharat Bandh?
Bharat Bandh is a general strike involving over 25 crore workers from sectors such as banking, insurance, postal services, mining, construction, and more. Supported by rural and agricultural labour organisations, the strike aims to challenge government policies that unions say harm workers, farmers, and the poor by favouring big businesses.
The call for the strike comes from a forum of 10 central trade unions and their affiliates, protesting labour law reforms, increased privatisation, and economic distress in rural areas.
When and who will participate?
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, starting early morning
Participants:
Central trade unions including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, and TUCC
Workers from public sector units, state departments, mining, steel, banking, and rural labourers
Farmers’ organisations like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha supporting rural mobilisation
Why are workers protesting?
The unions have several grievances, including:
Opposition to privatisation of public sector enterprises and increased outsourcing and casualisation
Criticism of four new labour codes seen as weakening workers’ rights, extending working hours, restricting collective bargaining and the right to strike, and decriminalising employer violations
Rising unemployment and economic inequality, along with cuts in social sector spending
Government’s alleged neglect of annual labour conferences for 10 years
Policies affecting migrant workers’ voting rights
Laws criminalising protests and attempts to strip citizenship rights in some states
A 17-point charter of demands was submitted last year to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, which the unions say remains unaddressed.
What are the main demands?
Increased government recruitment and job creation
Expansion of MGNREGA workdays and wages, with similar schemes for urban areas
Protection of workers’ rights and opposition to privatisation
Fair employment and social security for informal and rural workers
How will public services be affected?
Banking: Banks may face disruptions as employees join the strike, though no official bank holiday is declared.
Transport: Public transport such as buses, taxis, and app-based cabs may be affected by protest marches and road blockades. Kerala’s transport may see partial disruptions amid conflicting strike notices.
Power supply: Over 2.7 million power sector workers are expected to participate, possibly causing outages or interruptions in some regions.
Railways: No official strike announced, but minor disruptions and protests near stations may occur.
Education: Schools and colleges are expected to remain open, with no official closures announced.
Government offices: Expected to operate as usual.
What has happened in past strikes?
Similar nationwide strikes were held on:
November 26, 2020
March 28–29, 2022
February 16, 2024
These focused on job security, privatisation, and workers’ rights.
Expected disruptions ahead: Stay informed
The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is one of the largest coordinated protests in recent times, drawing attention to growing concerns among workers and farmers over government policies. While many essential services may continue, disruptions in public transport, banking, and power supply are expected across various regions. Citizens are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly as the country witnesses this significant collective action.
With inputs from ANI, IANS
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