Bharat Bandh on July 9: School, bank, office will close tomorrow?

Bharat Bandh on July 9: A Bharat Bandh (nationwide general strike) has been called for July 9, 2025, by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions in coordination with various farmers’ and rural workers’ organizations. They are protesting against what they allege are the Centre’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies.

Who Called for Bharat Bandh on July 9:

The strike has been called by a coalition of 10 major trade unions, including:

Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)

Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)

All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)

All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)

Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)

United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)

Farmer groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and various agricultural labor unions have also extended their support.

What’s Open:

Schools and Colleges: No official order for closure has been issued. They are generally expected to remain open, though local disruptions to transport might cause delays.

Private Offices and Businesses: These are likely to remain operational, but may be affected by public transport issues or local protests.

Essential Services: Hospitals, emergency services, police, internet, and mobile networks are expected to function normally.

Stock Markets: Stock markets will remain open and function regularly.

Railways and Air Travel: While railway unions have not officially joined, some localized delays or disruptions to train services are possible due to protests near tracks. Air travel is expected to remain largely unaffected.

What’s Closed/Affected:

The strike is expected to significantly impact several key sectors and services:
Banking and Financial Services: Operations, especially in public sector and cooperative banks, are likely to be disrupted. This could affect branch operations, cheque clearance, and customer services.

Postal Services: Delays in mail deliveries and other postal services are expected.
Coal Mining and Factories: Industrial production, particularly in coal mining and other factories, is likely to be affected.

State Transport: Public transport services, including state-run buses, taxis, and app-based cabs, may experience disruptions due to rallies and roadblocks in various cities.

Public Sector Units (PSUs) and Government Departments: Employees from various PSUs, including those in steel and mineral companies, are expected to join the strike, potentially causing slowdowns in government offices and public sector units.

Electricity Supply: Over 27 lakh power sector employees have pledged to join the strike, which could lead to disruptions in electricity supply.

It’s advisable for citizens to monitor local news and advisories for specific information regarding their area, as the level of impact may vary regionally. Schools and Colleges are generally expected to remain open.

No Official Closure Notification: No government or education board has issued an official notice for the closure of schools or colleges nationwide due to the bandh.

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