Bharat Bandh: Over 25 Crore Workers Strike Nationwide

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, a joint platform of ten central trade unions and organizations representing farmers and rural workers called for a nationwide walkout. More than 25 crore workers nationwide went on strike in protest of the government's privatization and labor reforms, known as the Bharat Bandh. There may be significant disruptions in key industries, including banking, transportation, postal services, and public sector entities. It is anticipated that most schools and essential services will continue to operate as usual.

Bharat Bandh

The word "bandh" means "closed" in Hindi, and during such events, participants appeal to the public to shut shops, suspend transport services, and halt business operations as a mark of solidarity. These protests are usually peaceful and non-violent, aiming to draw national attention to issues affecting workers, farmers, or citizens at large. Over the years, Bharat Bandhs have been organized in response to major concerns such as labour law changes, farm legislation, price hikes, and privatization.

The ongoing Bharat Bandh on 9 July 2025, supported by over 25 crore workers, is one of the largest, reflecting widespread discontent against the central government's labour and economic policies.

Why Bharat Bandh on 9 July 2025?

A coalition of 10 central trade unions (including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, among others) and farmers’ collectives is protesting against what they call the government’s “anti‑worker, anti‑farmer and pro‑corporate” policies. Their demands include:

• Rollback of four controversial labor codes that they say dilute worker protections

• Protection against privatization of public sector units

• Safeguarding of collective bargaining and the right to strike

• Expanded job creation under schemes like MGNREGA

• Resumption of the long-shelved Indian Labor Conference

  Sectors Likely Impacted

  • Banking & Insurance: Public sector banks (and many private banks) and insurance offices may partially or fully shut; expect delays in cheque clearances and teller services

  • Postal Services: Likely suspension at post offices, affecting mail and government documentation

  • Transport: Disruption expected in state-run buses and highway services; some factory transport too

  • Coal, Mining & Infrastructure: Strikes in the mining, highways, and construction sectors

  • Factories & Govt Offices: Numerous government departments, factories, and public sector units may shut down.

  Trade Unions Supporting the Strike

  The participating central trade unions include:

  • Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)

  • All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)

  • Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)

  • Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)

  • All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)

  • Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)

  • Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

  • All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)

  • Labor Progressive Federation (LPF)

United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

Highly Affected States:

• High impact expected in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, Bihar, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.

• State governments may issue guidelines or deploy extra police for security and essential services.

Who’s Participating:

• Over 25 crore (250 million) workers

• Unions from sectors like banking, insurance, mining, transport, postal services, construction, and agriculture.

What is Open

• Essential Services: Hospitals, emergency services, pharmacies

• Schools/Colleges: Most are expected to remain open, but attendance may drop due to travel issues

• Markets: Retail shops and malls may function normally in many areas

• Private Offices: Likely to stay open, though some employees may work remotely

Will Banks, Schools & Colleges Be Open on 9 July?

Public sector banks are likely to remain closed or offer limited operations; private banks may stay open but with reduced staffing. Expect delays in transactions and clearing. Schools & Colleges will be operational, but commuters should anticipate potential transportation disruptions if staff or students join the bandh.

Final Thoughts

The Bharat Bandh on 9 July 2025 is expected to cause widespread disruption, particularly in public sector banks, transport services, and government offices, as over 25 crore workers join the strike. While schools and colleges will largely remain open, attendance may be affected due to transport issues. Essential services like hospitals will continue functioning, but the public is advised to plan, avoid non-urgent travel, and stay updated through local advisories. The bandh reflects growing concerns among workers and farmers over economic policies, labour reforms, and privatization.