New Delhi: India is witnessing a sweeping shutdown today as over 25 crore workers from various sectors joined a nationwide strike, or Bharat Bandh, protesting against what they call the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. The strike, which began in the early hours of July 9, was called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions. It has garnered support from major farmer organisations, rural worker groups, and informal sector bodies, making it one of the largest coordinated labour protests in recent years.
Major disruptions are being reported in banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, industrial production, public transport, and power supply. While schools, colleges, and private offices remain open, service delays are likely. Train services have not been officially halted, but logistical slowdowns are anticipated. More than 27 lakh electricity sector workers are participating, potentially affecting power supply in several regions. Public sector employees from NMDC Ltd, steel plants, and parts of the railway workforce have expressed solidarity.
Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) accused the government of neglecting workers’ concerns. “They have ignored our 17-point charter of demands. The annual labour conference hasn’t been convened in a decade,” she shared. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha warned of significant service disruptions nationwide, citing widespread participation from state-run institutions and informal sectors.
The primary grievance revolves around the four new labour codes passed by Parliament, which unions say dilute workers’ rights by easing firing norms, extending working hours, and weakening protections against labour violations. Protesters are also rallying against privatisation, contractualisation of jobs, and the dismantling of public sector units.
The Bharat Bandh has drawn support from grassroots organisations including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, marking a continuation of the alliance between workers and farmers seen during previous agitations, including the 2020 and 2024 nationwide strikes. As the strike continues throughout the day, the scale of participation highlights growing unrest over economic reforms perceived as unfavourable to India’s working and farming classes.
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