Posted on July 9, 2025
On July 9, 2025, a nationwide Bharat Bandh was launched by a coalition of 10 central trade unions, backed by farmer groups and informal-sector associations. With over 25 crore (250 million) workers joining, the strike—protesting what they term as “anti‑worker, anti‑farmer, pro‑corporate” policies—has triggered substantial disruptions in public transport, banking, PSUs, and more.
🚨 Why This Bharat Bandh?
The unions are rallying against several government reforms, including:
- Implementation of four new labour codes that potentially weaken worker protections and dilute collective bargaining rights.
- The ongoing privatisation of public sector units and expansion of contractual labour, risking job security.
- Demands for a statutory minimum wage of ₹26,000, restoration of the old pension scheme, an 8‑hour workday, and convening of the annual Indian Labour Conference.
- Overlooked demands from a 17‑point charter submitted in 2024, which the government has largely ignored.
This marks the 22nd national general strike since economic liberalization in 1991—underscoring widespread discontent.
🔧 Sectors Under Strain
1. Public Transport
- State-run buses in Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Bihar are either severely limited or completely halted.
• In Bengaluru and Mumbai, app‑based taxis and autos are affected, while metros remain largely operational.
• In Chennai, buses are reported running normally despite the bandh.
2. Banking & Postal Services
- Public and cooperative banks in states like Gujarat report serious service disruptions, affecting cheque clearing and cash availability.
• Postal operations across the country are also hit, with many offices closed or operating on skeleton staff.
3. PSUs, Coal & Power Sectors
- Coal mines, power plants, NMDC, steel units, and other PSUs have seen massive participation—over 27 lakh (2.7 million) workers in electricity alone are striking.
4. Infrastructure & Highways
- Unions, especially the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), have blocked stretches of national highway near Bhubaneswar (Khordha).
✅ What Remains Functional?
- Emergency services—hospitals, ambulances, water/electricity, and police—continue operating.
- Private offices, IT, schools, colleges, and metros remain open, though attendance may suffer due to transport issues.
⚖️ Government Response & Security Measures
Authorities have deployed additional police forces, particularly around critical infrastructure like highways, bus stands, and banks, to maintain order and prevent escalation. While the strike has been largely peaceful, continuous monitoring signals readiness to act if incidents occur.
🌐 Impact & Outlook
This Bharat Bandh showcases the power and depth of labor and farmer dissent. With widespread participation and targeted disruption of essential services, the strike increases pressure on the government to re-engage with unions on key demands.
The unions insist their demands remain non-negotiable—reversible labour reforms, restored pensions, and job security—unless the government returns to dialogue. The continuation of this gridlock could shape broader economic and political discourse, especially ahead of upcoming state elections.