In what is being termed as one of the largest worker-led protests in recent years, India is set to witness a nationwide Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025. The strike, spearheaded by a coalition of 10 major central trade unions, is expected to see participation from over 25 crore workers across sectors including banking, insurance, construction, coal mining, postal services, and public transport.

This all-India strike is likely to cause disruptions to essential services across various states, particularly those with strong union representation, even though no official government holiday has been declared.

Why the Strike?

The Bharat Bandh has been called to protest what union leaders call the “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies” of the central government. Several issues have led to this massive mobilisation, including:

• Imposition of four new labour codes, which unions argue dilute worker protections.

• Privatisation of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and essential services like banking and electricity.

• Increased contractualisation of permanent jobs and outsourcing of core functions.

• Suppression of union activities and weakening of collective bargaining rights.

• Absence of the Indian Labour Conference for over 10 years, despite repeated demands.

Union leaders claim that they submitted a 17-point charter of demands to the Union Labour Ministry, but received no meaningful response or resolution.

Who Is Participating?

The strike is being organised by a joint platform of India's leading trade unions, including:

• AITUC – All India Trade Union Congress

• INTUC – Indian National Trade Union Congress

• CITU – Centre of Indian Trade Unions

• HMS – Hind Mazdoor Sabha

According to Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of AITUC, more than 25 crore workers are expected to strike across a range of sectors:

• 27 lakh electricity sector workers have pledged to join.

• Public sector and cooperative bank employees will participate nationwide.

• Insurance sector staff, including those from LIC and GIC, are likely to abstain from work.

• Postal workers and staff from state-run transport corporations in key states will also join the protest.

What’s Open and What’s Closed?

While this is not an official public holiday, many services will face partial or complete disruption. Here's what to expect:

Likely to be Closed or Affected:

• Banks: Most public sector banks and some cooperative banks will remain shut or operate with skeletal staff.

• Insurance services: LIC, GIC, and some private insurers may see staff shortages.

• Postal services: Delivery and logistics may be affected in union-backed regions.

• Electricity supply: States with strong union presence like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu may see disruption.

• Public transport: Buses and local transport may halt in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi.

• Coal mining and industrial units: Several unionised PSUs and coal companies expected to pause operations.

Expected to Remain Open:

• Schools and colleges: No state government has issued closure notices yet.

• Private offices: May function normally, but employee attendance could be low due to transit issues.

• Emergency medical services: Hospitals will remain open, though non-critical support staff may be on strike in some areas.

• Railways: While not officially participating, certain local units could show symbolic support.

Security Arrangements and Government Response

With the potential for large-scale public unrest, state governments and local administrations are on high alert. Extra police forces, especially in urban areas, are being deployed to prevent law and order issues and manage traffic disruptions.

Although the Central Government has not yet issued an official response, officials have indicated that they are closely monitoring the situation and will act as required to maintain civic services and prevent violence or vandalism.

Political Context and Election Angle

This Bharat Bandh takes place in a highly charged political environment, just months before multiple state assembly elections in key regions like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Haryana. The strike is widely seen as a reflection of increasing discontent among organised and unorganised labour groups, farmers’ collectives, and civil society organisations.

Many observers believe this mass movement is aimed at applying electoral pressure on the government by mobilising rural and working-class constituencies who feel marginalised by economic reforms and job insecurity.

What You Should Do Tomorrow

If you’re in a metro city or state with strong trade union presence, plan your commute and banking needs in advance:

• Withdraw cash today, as ATM refills may be delayed.

• Reschedule non-urgent visits to government offices, LIC branches, or transport hubs.

• Check public transport availability before heading out.

• If working remotely is possible, consider doing so to avoid last-minute hassles.

Conclusion

The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, represents not just a protest but a significant social and economic event, potentially affecting millions of Indians in their daily lives. With over 25 crore workers expected to join the strike, disruptions are inevitable, especially in sectors like banking, power, transport, and insurance.

While essential services such as healthcare and schools will likely remain open, the larger message being sent is one of worker solidarity and resistance to policy decisions perceived as neglecting grassroots voices. As the government prepares to respond, citizens are advised to remain informed, cautious, and plan ahead.

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