Bharat bandh tomorrow what will be closed

Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024: What to Expect

India is bracing for a nationwide strike, or “Bharat Bandh”, tomorrow, August 21, 2024, called by a coalition of opposition political parties and labor unions. The Bharat Bandh is being organized to protest the central government’s economic policies and push for demands like higher minimum wages, better job security, and rollback of recent changes to labor laws.

The strike is expected to disrupt normal life across the country, with most private businesses, shops, and services likely to remain closed. Public transport, banking, and other essential services may also be affected to varying degrees in different states. Educational institutions, government offices, and courts are also anticipated to see reduced attendance and operations.

The Reasons Behind the Bharat Bandh:

The Bharat Bandh has been called by a united front of opposition political parties, including the Indian National Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and several regional parties. They are protesting against the central government’s economic policies, which they claim are detrimental to the interests of the common people.

The key demands of the protesters include

1. Increase in Minimum Wages: The unions are demanding that the nationwide minimum wage be raised from the current Rs 350 per day to at least Rs 600 per day. They argue that the current minimum wage is inadequate to meet the basic needs of workers and their families.
2. Strengthening of Labor Laws: The protesters are opposed to the recent changes made to labor laws by the central government, which they say have weakened the bargaining power and job security of workers. They want the government to roll back these changes and strengthen labor protection measures.
3. Creation of New Jobs: With the economy facing a slowdown and high unemployment rates, the protesters are demanding that the government take concrete steps to create more jobs, especially in the public sector.
4. Reduction in Fuel Prices: The Bharat Bandh call also includes a demand for a reduction in prices of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas, which have seen sharp increases in recent months due to rising global crude oil prices.
5. Withdrawal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST): Some of the protesters are also seeking the withdrawal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which they claim has increased the tax burden on the common man.

Impact on Different Sectors

The Bharat Bandh is expected to have a widespread impact on various sectors of the economy. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in different areas:

1. Businesses and Shops:

• Most private businesses, shops, and commercial establishments are likely to remain shut for the day as a show of support for the strike.
• However, essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, and grocery stores may remain open, but could see reduced staff and operations.

1. Transportation:

• Public transport like buses, trains, and metro services are expected to be disrupted, with reduced frequency and availability.
• Cab aggregator services like Uber and Ola may also see limited operations as their drivers are expected to join the strike.
• Air and rail traffic could be affected, with some flight and train cancellations or delays.
• Truck and goods transport may also be impacted, leading to supply chain disruptions.

1. Banking and Financial Services:

• Banks, stock exchanges, and other financial institutions are likely to remain closed or see reduced operations.
• ATM services may also be affected, with limited cash withdrawals possible.
• Payment gateways and online banking services could also face intermittent disruptions.

1. Educational Institutions:

• Schools, colleges, and universities are expected to remain shut for the day, with most academic activities suspended.
• However, some institutions may opt to conduct online classes or reschedule exams depending on the local situation.

1. Government Offices and Courts:

1. Central and state government offices, as well as courts, are likely to see low attendance and reduced functioning.
2. Essential services like police, fire, and emergency medical care are expected to remain operational, albeit with possible delays.

1. Media and Entertainment:

• Television news channels and print media may face challenges in newsgathering and distribution.
• Film shootings, releases, and other entertainment industry activities could be disrupted.

Preparations and Precautions

Authorities across India have been making preparations to handle the situation arising from the Bharat Bandh. Some of the key measures being taken include:

1. Security Arrangements:

• Additional police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
• Rapid response teams and paramilitary forces are on standby to quickly address any emergencies.
• Security has been beefed up around government buildings, public transport hubs, and other critical infrastructure.

1. Traffic Management:

• Traffic police are working on contingency plans to manage the expected disruptions in movement of vehicles.
• Alternate routes and diversions are being identified to ensure smooth passage of emergency and essential services.
• Public transport providers have been asked to increase the number of buses and trains to cater to the expected surge in commuters.

1. Essential Services Coordination:

• Authorities are working closely with hospitals, power utilities, and other providers of essential services to ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Measures have been taken to ensure adequate stocks of medicines, fuel, and other critical items.
• Emergency control rooms have been set up to quickly address any disruptions in essential services.

1. Communication and Awareness:

• Widespread public awareness campaigns have been launched to inform citizens about the Bharat Bandh and the expected impact on different sectors.
• Advisories have been issued to schools, businesses, and other organizations to plan accordingly and minimize disruptions.
• Government officials are in regular touch with trade unions and opposition parties to understand their concerns and find ways to minimize the impact of the strike.

Citizens’ Preparedness

Given the widespread nature of the Bharat Bandh, citizens across India are being advised to take certain precautions and prepare for potential disruptions:

1. Stock up on Essentials:

• Residents are encouraged to stock up on essential items like groceries, medicines, and fuel to minimize the impact of any supply chain disruptions.
• Those with medical conditions or senior citizens should ensure they have adequate supplies of necessary medicines.

1. Plan Ahead for Commute:

• Commuters should explore alternative modes of transport like private vehicles, carpooling, or cycling, as public transport may be affected.
• Those with flexibility in work timings should consider adjusting their schedules to avoid peak hours.

1. Prioritize Urgent Tasks:

• Citizens are advised to reschedule or postpone any non-essential errands, appointments, or activities to the extent possible.
• Those with urgent needs should try to complete them before the strike day or be prepared for potential delays.

1. Stay Informed and Exercise Caution:

• People are encouraged to closely follow updates from local authorities and media outlets to stay informed about the evolving situation.
• Residents should avoid venturing out unnecessarily and exercise caution if they need to step out, as there could be disruptions or potential law and order issues in some areas.

Overall, the Bharat Bandh is expected to have a significant impact on the daily lives of citizens across India. While the government and authorities are making preparations to mitigate the disruptions, it is important for the public to also be aware and take appropriate precautions to navigate the situation smoothly.