Bharat Bandh on July 9: Nationwide Shutdown Likely to Hit Banking, Transport, and Services as 25 Crore Workers Join Protest

A massive countrywide protest branded as "Bharat Bandh" has been announced for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with more than 25 crore workers expected to participate. Spearheaded by a united coalition of 10 central trade unions, in alliance with several farmers’ groups and rural labour organisations, the bandh is being organised to oppose what the unions describe as pro-corporate and anti-worker policies by the central government.

The call for this nationwide strike signals one of the most coordinated labour actions in recent years, touching every major sector from banking and transport to coal mining, postal services, and state-run enterprises. While not every sector has officially declared participation, the potential impact on daily life and essential services could be significant.

Who Is Behind Bharat Bandh?

The July 9 Bharat Bandh is backed by a coalition of major national trade unions, including:

• Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
• All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
• Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
• Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
• All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)
• Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
• Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)
• All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)

These organisations have united under a common platform to express their discontent with the government's labour reforms, privatisation drives, and perceived neglect of employment generation and wage-related concerns.

The protest is also being actively supported by farmer alliances like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other agricultural labour groups, who have announced demonstrations and blockades in rural areas.

Why the Protest?
 

The unions claim that despite submitting a 17-point charter of demands to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in 2024, the government has shown no genuine intent to address their concerns. The major grievances include:

• Introduction of four labour codes that allegedly increase working hours and reduce workers' rights
• Promotion of contract-based employment and privatisation
• Ignoring the long-pending demand for wage hikes and job security
• No Indian Labour Conference held in the last ten years

Neglect of the public sector and failure to create new employment opportunities

In a joint statement, union leaders said, "The government has abandoned the welfare status of the state and is operating entirely in favour of Indian and foreign corporates."

What Will Be Affected on July 9?
 

While there is no official blanket closure order from any state government, multiple sectors are likely to face disruptions, either due to direct participation or logistical obstacles arising from protests and road blockades.

Banking and Financial Services

The bandh is expected to affect public sector banks and cooperative banking services. Though the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has not declared a formal strike, many members are expected to participate under the larger union umbrella. This could lead to:

• Branch closures
• Delays in cheque clearances
• Unavailability of customer support
• Impact on ATMs and transaction systems

Transport Services

Public transport could be hit hard, especially in states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, where trade unions wield significant influence. City buses, state transport, taxis, and even app-based cab services like Ola and Uber may be scarce or unavailable. Road blockades and demonstrations are expected in several cities, which may lead to traffic snarls and diversions.

Train Services

Although railway unions have not officially joined the bandh, previous similar protests have seen agitations near railway stations and tracks. Security forces are expected to be on high alert, especially in union-strong regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Passengers have been advised to check train statuses in advance.

Schools and Colleges

There is no official notification of school or college closures. However, operations could be affected due to transport issues and local-level protests. Parents and students are advised to confirm with institutions before stepping out.

Government Offices and PSUs

Employees from multiple public sector undertakings (PSUs), including companies like NMDC and state-owned steel and mining firms, have declared support for the bandh. This may impact productivity and public services at government offices.

Farmers and Rural Workers Join In

In a significant show of solidarity, farmer unions and rural labour organisations are participating actively in the bandh. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, one of the main coalitions behind the 2020-21 farm protests, has called for rallies and shutdowns in villages and rural towns.

Their key grievances include:

• Skyrocketing prices of essential commodities
• Rising rural unemployment
• Cuts in government spending on health, education, and social welfare
• Privatization of farming inputs and marketing mechanisms

Rural India is expected to witness tractor rallies, road blockades, and mass mobilisations in state capitals and district headquarters.

Additional Concerns Raised
 

The trade union forum has also voiced concerns over:

• Alleged misuse of constitutional institutions
• Laws like the Public Security Bill in Maharashtra, which they claim criminalises peaceful protests
• Disenfranchisement of migrant workers through changes in voter rolls in Bihar
• Threats to citizenship rights through amendments in the Citizenship Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC)

According to the organisers, the four labour codes passed in Parliament aim to:

• Extend working hours beyond limits
• Dilute rights to unionise and bargain collectively
• Remove protections for contract workers
• Decriminalise violations of labour laws by employers

Government's Response
 

As of now, the central government has not made a public statement about the July 9 bandh. However, multiple states have issued advisories to law enforcement agencies to ensure that essential services remain operational and that public order is maintained.
 

Security Arrangements
 

Given the scale of the protest, states have begun deploying additional police forces in major cities and around critical infrastructure such as railway stations, airports, bus depots, and government buildings.

In Maharashtra, over 12,000 police personnel will be on standby, while Delhi, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu have also initiated special control rooms to monitor protests in real time.

Conclusion
 

The July 9 Bharat Bandh is not just a strike; it is a sweeping display of dissatisfaction from both industrial and rural India. From the heart of the financial sector to the farms in the hinterlands, citizens are preparing to make their voices heard against policies they believe threaten their livelihood and rights.

As millions prepare to stay off work and join demonstrations, the day is set to become a crucial moment in India’s ongoing conversation between labour, government, and civil society.

For the public, the advice is simple: stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for potential disruptions in services. As the country braces for impact, all eyes will be on how both the government and the protestors handle what is likely to be a defining moment in India’s socio-political calendar of 2025.