Bharat Bandh hits key sectors as trade unions protest labour reforms, privatisation

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Ranchi, July 9: Trade unions and farmer organisations across India have called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on Wednesday to protest against the Centre’s labour law amendments, privatisation policies, rising inflation, and what they call anti-farmer decisions.

The bandh’s impact is visibly felt in several sectors in Jharkhand, including banking, insurance, postal, and mining, where employees have joined the strike.

According to trade unions, the Bharat Bandh is being held to oppose the government’s pro-corporate and anti-worker, anti-farmer policies.

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The strike has reportedly seen participation from over 25 crore workers and employees across the country. States like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha witnessed major disruptions from early morning. In Bihar, the INDIA alliance has also announced a road blockade in support of the bandh.

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What’s Affected by the Bandh?

The impact of the Bharat Bandh is being felt across several essential sectors. Public sector banking services have largely come to a halt as employees joined the strike, although private banks continue to operate normally.

Road transport has also been disrupted in many states, with state-run bus services suspended in several regions, leading to travel difficulties for commuters.

Postal services, particularly those offered by government post offices, are expected to remain non-functional during the day.

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In the industrial sector, work has been stalled in coal mines, steel plants, and other government-operated industrial units, especially in states like Jharkhand.

The electricity supply could also be affected in some areas, as a section of power department employees have joined the protest, raising the possibility of localised outages.