Bharat Bandh today: Who’s participating and what are the key demands?

Ten major central trade unions have called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh today, protesting against what they allege are anti-labour and anti-farmer policies of the central government. Accusing the government of favoring corporate interests while ignoring the concerns of the working class, the unions have launched this strike after months of preparation and mobilization.

More than 25 crore workers from both formal and informal sectors are expected to participate in the shutdown. Workers from sectors like banking, postal, insurance, coal mining, factories, and transport have joined the protest. According to Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), even rural workers and farmers are participating in this nationwide industrial action.

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Harbhajan Singh Sidhu from the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) stated that the strike would significantly affect banking, postal, insurance, mining, and transport services across the country. Employees from public sector banks and cooperative banks are also expected to join, potentially disrupting daily banking operations. However, no official confirmation has come from individual bank unions.

Schools, colleges, and universities are open, but parents may have to transport their children themselves if school bus drivers join the strike. Public bus services and app-based taxi and cab operations may also be affected, as transport workers have expressed solidarity with the protest. Notably, railway unions have not joined the bandh and have made no announcements in support.

Trade Unions Participating in the Bharat Bandh:

• Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
• All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
• Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
• Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
• Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)
• All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)
• Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
• All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
• Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
• United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

Key Demands & Grievances:
Trade unions accuse the government of ignoring their 17-point charter of demands submitted to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. They argue that:

• The Indian Labour Conference has not been held in 10 years.
• The four new Labour Codes weaken unions and extend working hours.
• Contract employment and privatisation are being encouraged.
• There has been no significant public sector recruitment or wage revision.
• Rising unemployment is being ignored, while corporates get incentives.
• Essential commodity prices are surging.
• Government spending on health, education, and welfare schemes is being slashed.