Concerned Citizens: Scale and Scope of Participation
On July 9, 2025, Bharat Bandh will be fully operational with more than 25 crore workers from all services, along with farmers and rural workers, participating in a strike that is unprecedented in scope. This strike is a resolute response to the government’s labor policies and corporatization and privatization moves considered as an attack on the rights of workers and farmers. It is being organized by a coalition of 10 central trade unions along with major farmers’ organizations. Organizers emphasize that a lack of job opportunities due to the new labor codes and a rise in attempts at seeking privatization are increasingly fueling economic disparity.
Sectors and Services Expected to Be Hit
Coal mining, banking, public transport, the power sector, and postal services will bear the worst brunt as the Bharat Bandh is expected to affect them. Along with employees from coal and mineral public sector banks, insurance, and postal sectors, transport services workers are also expected to halt work. This will certainly cause significant disruptions to service delivery and productivity in these sectors. Moreover, there is great apprehension about outages in some areas, as over 27 lakh employees from the power sector have also joined the strike.
Which Schools, Colleges, and Government Offices Are Open and Closed?
There is no official nationwide order for the closure of schools, colleges, and government offices. However, some level of disruption is likely to happen in states having a strong union presence. In the case of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, all educational institutions will remain closed on July 9 due to expected transport shutdowns. Most other states will likely see schools and offices open, though local disruptions are possible if transport is impacted or agitation becomes severe. Students, employees, and the general public are encouraged to monitor local notifications for real-time changes.
Banking Services and Financial Services: Summary of Anticipated Delays
Although no public sector or cooperative banks are officially closed, there is likely to be significant disruption to operations at public sector banks due to strike participation from their employees. Counters and several direct service areas will experience heightened congestion in metro cities and industrialized hubs due to delayed check clearance and other branch-based services. Although the Reserve Bank of India has not declared a blanket holiday, there are likely to be wide sectional disparities across regions based on the intensity of local protests.
How to Prepare: Advice for Travelers and the General Public
Due to the magnitude of the strike, public transportation, roadblocks, and potential protest marches will likely occur in metropolitan and industrial centers. It is probable that app-based taxis, buses, and auto-rickshaws will be operating at limited capacity as well. Planning ahead, factoring in additional time for traveling, and steering clear of known protest areas are all suggested. Services deemed essential, such as hospitals, emergency care, and internet/mobile networks, are expected to remain fully operational.
