Bharat Bandh on July 9: What Will Be Open and What’s Affected?

India is gearing up for a massive Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as over 25 crore workers across various sectors are expected to participate. From banking to coal mining, the strike is likely to affect essential services across the country.

But why is this bandh happening, and what should the public expect in terms of closures and disruptions?

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❓ Why the Bharat Bandh?

A coalition of 10 central trade unions and their allied organizations have called this general strike to protest against what they call "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies of the government. Their demands include:

• Rejection of the new labour codes

• Fair recruitment policies in government sectors

• Better wages and job security

• Increased social sector spending on education, health, and civic amenities

The unions allege that the government has ignored worker welfare, bypassed discussions with labour representatives, and taken steps that benefit corporations over common citizens.

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🚫 What Will Be Affected?

Here’s what is expected to be impacted by the strike:

1. Banking and Financial Services

   • Major banks may remain closed or partially operational

   • ATMs could face cash shortages in some areas

2. Postal Services

   • Post offices may remain closed or work at limited capacity

3. Coal Mining and Factories

   • Workers in coal fields and several public sector factories are expected to join the strike

4. State Transport

   • Bus and transport services in some states may be halted

   • Expect delays or cancellations, especially in metro cities

5. Government Departments and PSUs

   • Employees in departments like Railways, NMDC, Steel, and more may participate

   • Protests may lead to slower operations

6. Railway Services

   • No official railway strike has been declared

   • However, passengers may face delays or disruptions due to road protests or sit-ins near tracks

7. Farmer Participation

   • Protests expected in rural areas with farmers joining the bandh

   • Agricultural produce supply might get affected

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✅ What Will Remain Open?

1. Schools and Colleges

   • No official closure announced; however, some institutions may shut for safety reasons

2. Private Offices and Businesses

   • Most private offices, malls, and shops may stay open, but operations could be limited in protest-heavy areas

3. Essential Services

   • Emergency medical services, hospitals, police, and fire departments are expected to operate normally

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⚠️ What Citizens Should Do

• Avoid non-essential travel, especially in areas known for large protests

• Withdraw necessary cash in advance

• Check with schools, colleges, and local transport services

• Expect heavy traffic or roadblocks in protest zones

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🗣️ The Bigger Picture

Union leaders argue that the country is seeing rising unemployment, increasing price hikes, and declining social support. With 65% of the population below age 35, the lack of proper job creation and regular appointments in the public sector has been a growing concern.

The bandh aims to send a strong message to the government to reconsider its economic and labour policies and involve workers' voices in shaping the future of India.

Reference from :-https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/july-9-strike-bharat-bandh-banks-schools-what-is-affected/article69786427.ece