Bharat Bandh 2025: Will Schools, Offices Shut on July 9? Key Details Inside
A nationwide general strike—Bharat Bandh 2025—is set to take place on Tuesday, July 9, and it may cause widespread disruption across India. Called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, in coordination with farmers’ and rural workers’ organisations, the strike is a show of protest against the central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. Over 25 crore workers are expected to participate in the movement, potentially affecting multiple sectors and millions of citizens.
What is the strike about?
The strike has been initiated in response to long-standing grievances raised by trade unions. Protesters allege that the central government has ignored their demands, especially regarding:
- The delay in holding the Indian Labour Conference, which has not taken place for the last ten years.
- Opposition to the four labour codes passed by Parliament. Unions claim these codes undermine workers’ rights, reduce the power of trade unions, allow for longer working hours, and decriminalise employer violations.
- Strong resistance to the privatisation of public sector assets, especially the power distribution sector in Uttar Pradesh. In this context, over 27 lakh employees from the power sector are set to join the strike.
The organisers believe that these policies favour corporates at the expense of public welfare and working-class rights.
Who is supporting the strike?
The strike has garnered widespread backing from trade unions in critical sectors such as:
- Banking
- Insurance
- Postal Services
- Coal Mining
- Highways and Construction
- State Transport
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a prominent coalition of farmer groups, has also lent its support, significantly strengthening the rural reach of the protest. While railway unions have not officially joined, disruptions in essential services are still expected.
Will schools, colleges, and government offices remain open?
As of now, no official circular or notification has been issued regarding the closure of schools, colleges, or government offices on July 9. These institutions are expected to remain open, although transport-related issues may hinder access.
In previous strikes of similar magnitude, attendance varied by region, and last-minute decisions sometimes led to temporary closures. Hence, parents, students, and office-goers are advised to monitor local news updates and plan their commutes accordingly.
Will essential services and public transport be affected?
- Banking: Operations in public and cooperative banks are likely to be hit due to high union participation.
- Postal Services & Coal Mining: These may experience partial or full shutdowns.
- State Transport: Bus services might be significantly affected.
- Metro & Air Travel: Largely expected to run on schedule, though road-based access could face rallies and roadblocks.
- Hospitals, emergency services, internet, and mobile networks: These are expected to function normally.
Political dimension: Bihar may see heightened impact
In Bihar, the situation is expected to be more intense. The INDIA Bloc has announced a separate bandh on July 9 to protest against a controversial voter list revision, which they claim could disenfranchise nearly 20% of voters, particularly from marginalised communities. This dual protest could lead to greater disruptions in the state.
✅ In summary: While Bharat Bandh 2025 is not expected to force the closure of schools, colleges, or government offices nationwide, disruptions in transport and essential services may still cause delays and operational hurdles. Citizens are advised to stay alert and plan accordingly.
