More than 25 crore workers have called for a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, July 9, involving various sectors such as banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, and highways. The strike is being organized by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions as a protest against the government’s “pro-corporate policies”. In view of the Bharat Bandh, trade unions have started gathering support in both organised and unorganized sectors. According to Amarjit Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress, farmers and rural workers may also join the strike. This ‘Bharat Bandh’ can cause serious disruption in various services across the country.
What Are The Demands Of The workers?
The main demand of the workers is that the government should take concrete steps to resolve the unemployment crisis soon. Under this, they are demanding filling up of vacant posts, the creation of more employment, an increase in the number of MNREGA workdays, and an increase in wages.
The trade unions have also demanded a scheme like MNREGA for urban areas. They say that the government should reconsider the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme (ELI), because according to them this scheme benefits the employers while ignoring the real needs of the workers.
Which Services Can Be Affected?
Business establishments and companies related to banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, highways, and construction sectors are likely to be most affected by this strike. Hind Mazdoor Sabha leader Harbhajan Singh Sidhu said that along with banking, posts,l and mining, factories and state transport services can also be affected.
The Bank Employees Union announced on Monday that the banking sector will join this Bharat Bandh. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Union, which is affiliated to the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), said that the insurance sector will also be a part of the strike.
There is a possibility of disruption in banking services in most states, so before visiting bank branches on Wednesday, do get information from your nearest branches, so that there is no problem.
Will Schools And Colleges Remain Open?
Schools and colleges are likely to function normally, as there is no official order from any state to close them. There is also no holiday order for banks and other government offices, although there may be some disruption in their services. Not all states have declared any holiday for schools and colleges due to Bharat Bandh, and these are expected to remain open.
Also Read: Adani Group Unveils The Third Film In The Hum KarkeDikhate Hain Series: ‘Story Of Suraj’
