A nationwide strike, Bharat Bandh has been announced by central trade unions and farmers’ organisations on February 12.
As per reports, the bandh called by 10 central trade unions aim to protest against the new labour codes and the proposed India-US trade deal.
The strike has been called by a joint forum of central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC.
Reportedly, the nationwide strike is a mark of protest trade unions against the four labour codes that replaced 29 labour laws last year, claiming they weaken workers’ rights, lower job security, and make it easier for employers to hire and fire employees.
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They are also calling for the withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act.
In addition, they are demanding the restoration of MGNREGA and the scrapping of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
The strike has received support from farmers’ bodies, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), which have raised concerns about the impact of the India-US trade deal on the country’s agriculture sector.
As per a report by CNBC, schools and colleges in certain states, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Odisha, may be closed if local organisations support the strikes or there might be disruptions in transport services.
Public sector banks and government services in several states may also be hampered. Emergency services including hospitals and ambulances are expected to function normally.
