Bharat Bandh : Dear readers, Get ready for a significant day across India! On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, more than 25 crore workers from various public service sectors are expected to go on a nationwide strike, also known as Bharat Bandh. This move, called by a forum of 10 central trade unions, aims to protest against various government policies.
Bharat Bandh July 9, 2025: Why Over 25 Crore Workers Are Going on Nationwide Strike?
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, India is set to witness a massive nationwide strike, or Bharat Bandh, with over 25 crore workers from various public service sectors participating. This widespread protest has been called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates.
The primary reasons behind this extensive strike are the unions’ strong objections to what they term as the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.” A key grievance is the government’s failure to conduct the annual Indian Labour Conference for the past decade, a crucial platform for addressing worker concerns.
The unions have submitted a 17-point charter of demands, which they claim has received no concrete response. Their allegations include:
- Weakening of Labour Rights: They accuse the government of pushing through four new labour codes that allegedly suppress trade union movements, increase working hours, weaken collective bargaining, and decriminalize violations of labour laws by employers.
- Rising Unemployment and Price Hikes: The unions assert that current economic policies are leading to increased unemployment, especially among the youth (aged 20-25 years), alongside rising prices of essential commodities and depression in wages.
- Privatization and Casualization of Workforce: They are protesting against the ongoing privatization of public sector enterprises and services, as well as policies promoting outsourcing, contract work, and the casualization of the workforce.
- Reduced Social Sector Spending: The forum also highlights concerns about reduced government expenditure on education, health, and basic civic amenities, which they say widens inequality.
- Ignoring Demands for Job Creation: They demand addressing unemployment, filling sanctioned government posts, creating more jobs, and increasing workdays and remuneration for MGNREGA workers, along with enacting similar legislation for urban areas.
Farmers and rural worker organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have also extended their support, announcing large-scale mobilizations in rural areas. This collective action underscores deep-seated dissatisfaction with economic and labor reforms that many perceive as detrimental to the welfare of workers and farmers.
Will Banks Remain Closed on July 9 Bharat Bandh? Know the Status of Banking Services
While no official banking holiday has been announced for July 9, banking services across the nation are highly likely to be disturbed due to the Bharat Bandh. Associations of bank employees, such as the Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association (affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association – AIBEA), have confirmed their participation in the nationwide strike.
This means that various banking operations could be affected, including:
- Branch Services: Many bank branches may operate with reduced staff or even remain closed.
- Cheque Clearance: The processing of cheques might experience delays.
- Customer Services: General customer service inquiries and transactions could be impacted.
- Loan Processing: Any services related to loan applications and disbursements might be slowed down.
Customers are advised to complete any urgent banking transactions before July 9. While ATM services are generally expected to function, there might be delays in cash replenishment if logistics are affected. Indian financial markets, including the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE, are expected to remain open for normal trading.
Full List of Sectors Affected by Bharat Bandh on July 9: Banking, Power, Transport & More
The Bharat Bandh on July 9 is expected to affect a wide array of public services and industrial sectors across the country. More than 25 crore workers are slated to participate, leading to potential disruptions in daily life.
Here’s a comprehensive list of sectors likely to be affected:
- Banking and Financial Services: As mentioned, banking operations are expected to be significantly disrupted due to the participation of bank employee unions. The insurance sector will also join the strike.
- Postal Services: Employees of postal departments are participating, which may lead to delays in mail delivery and other postal services.
- Coal Mining and Factories/Industrial Units: Operations in coal mines and various factories are likely to be affected as workers from these sectors join the strike.
- State Transport Services: Public transportation, including state-run buses, and potentially even local taxis and app-based cabs in some cities, could face significant disruptions due to worker participation and protest marches. Commuters should anticipate delays and limited availability.
- Electricity Supply: Over 27 lakh power workers are expected to participate, particularly protesting against proposed privatization of power distribution companies. This could lead to impacts on electricity supply in various regions.
- Construction and Highways: Workers in these sectors are also part of the strike, which may affect ongoing construction projects and road maintenance.
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Many public sector units will see their employees participating in the strike.
- Government Departments: Various central and state government departments may experience slower work and delays in administrative tasks due to staff participation, particularly in PSUs and departments related to coal, power, and postal services.
- Farmer-led Rallies in Rural Areas: With support from farmer unions like Samyukta Kisan Morcha, large-scale mobilizations and protests are expected in rural areas, which could impact rural economy and transportation.
Bharat Bandh July 9 Live Updates: Strike by Trade Unions, Impact on Daily Life
As of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 10:51 PM IST, preparations for the Bharat Bandh on July 9 are in full swing across India. Here are the key live updates and expected impacts:
- Massive Participation Expected: Over 25 crore workers from organized and unorganized sectors, including banking, insurance, postal, coal mining, factories, state transport, and construction, are preparing to join the strike.
- Core Demands Reiterated: The 10 central trade unions leading the strike continue to emphasize their 17-point charter of demands, focusing on issues like unemployment, the alleged weakening of labour laws through new codes, rising inflation, and privatization of public assets.
- Farmers’ Support: Farmer and rural worker organizations are actively mobilizing support, particularly in rural areas, to amplify the protest against government policies.
- Banking Disruption Confirmed: Banking sector employee associations have confirmed their participation, indicating potential disruptions in banking services nationwide, even though it’s not an official bank holiday.
- Transport Challenges Anticipated: State transport services are likely to be affected. In some regions, like Kerala, private bus operators may also observe a strike, adding to commuting difficulties. Roadblocks and protest marches are expected in various cities.
- Power Sector Involvement: Over 27 lakh power workers are set to join, raising concerns about potential impacts on electricity supply, especially given protests against power distribution privatization plans in states like Uttar Pradesh.
- Schools and Colleges Open: No official holiday has been declared for schools or colleges across most states. These institutions are expected to remain open, but students and staff may face transportation issues. Some reports indicate complete shutdowns for educational institutions in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.
- Railways Expected to Run: Railways are not officially part of the strike, but commuters should be aware of possible delays due to local protests.
- Indian Stock Market to Operate: The BSE and NSE will remain open for normal trading on July 9.
- Bihar’s Added Unrest: In Bihar, a separate “bandh” called by the INDIA Bloc on the same day, protesting voter list revisions, could further intensify disruptions in the state.
Citizens are advised to stay tuned to local news channels for real-time updates and plan their day accordingly to minimize inconvenience. This Bharat Bandh is poised to be a significant demonstration of collective grievance against the government’s economic and labour policies.
Please note that the information on the Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, provided by Eduworldnews.com, is based on current news and public statements as of July 8, 2025, 10:55 PM IST. Situations like strikes can change quickly.