Bharat Bandh 2025: While a massive nationwide strike on July 9 is likely to impact various sectors such as banking, transport, and public utilities, schools and colleges will most probably continue functioning, as no notice of closure has been released by the government or education boards. However, students, teachers, and staff may face difficulties reaching campuses due to widespread participation by transport and public service workers.
According to the Times of India report, the strike has been called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions along with farmers’ and rural workers’ groups, who are protesting against what they call the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. More than 25 crore labourers are likely to participate in the protest.
While schools will operate normally, bus disruptions, state transport, and road disruptions might lead to widespread delays, especially in areas where the strike is well-supported. In past nationwide strikes, some local authorities have issued last-minute notices, and school and college attendance was patchy based on how much transport was affected.
Parents and students should keep an eye on local news and factor in extra travel time, particularly if they use state-operated buses or neighborhood trains. Private cars, metro operations, and autos should be available but potentially face increased demand.
Why the strike?
The protest has been planned on 17 major demands, among which are opposition to the new codes of labour, postponement of the Indian Labour Conference, and privatisation of state-run services, like the distribution of power in Uttar Pradesh. More than 27 lakh workers in the power sector have participated in the protest.
The strike has received support from employees in banking, insurance, postal services, construction, and transport, though railway unions have not formally joined.
What’s working and what’s not?
• Open: Schools, colleges, government offices, private businesses
• Likely affected: Public sector banks, postal services, state transport, some roads
• Unaffected: Metro services, air travel, hospitals, internet, mobile networks
