Nationwide Bharat Bandh Disrupts Services Across India
A major nationwide strike, termed 'Bharat Bandh', is underway today as a joint forum of central trade unions protests against the recently announced India–US trade agreement and contentious new labour codes. The unions have condemned the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of "surrendering before the shrewdness of the US" in trade negotiations that they claim undermine Indian interests.
Widespread Impact Expected Across 600 Districts
The strike is projected to significantly impact operations in over 600 districts across the country, with approximately 30 crore workers from multiple sectors expected to participate. Key public services including banking operations, transportation networks, and other essential services are likely to face substantial disruptions throughout the day.
The shutdown has been organized by ten prominent central trade unions:
- INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress)
- AITUC (All India Trade Union Congress)
- HMS (Hind Mazdoor Sabha)
- CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions)
- AIUTUC (All India United Trade Union Centre)
- TUCC (Trade Union Coordination Centre)
- SEWA (Self-Employed Women's Association)
- AICCTU (All India Central Council of Trade Unions)
- LPF (Labour Progressive Federation)
- UTUC (United Trade Union Congress)
Protest Against Labour Codes and Trade Agreement
Trade union leaders argue that the new labour codes primarily benefit corporate businesses at the expense of workers' rights and protections. According to their assessment, these reforms ease hiring and dismissal norms, reduce statutory safeguards for employees, and exclude numerous informal sector workers from legal coverage.
SKM Convenor Hannan Mollah emphasized the broader implications, stating, "This agreement represents a betrayal against farmers and workers alike. We are surrendering before the shrewdness of US trade policies. The government has capitulated, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal should resign for betraying Indian farmers."
The protest campaign began on February 4th, with trade unions conducting outreach to farmers across the country. This culminated in today's Bharat Bandh, which serves as the peak of their demonstration against what they perceive as unfavorable trade terms and anti-worker labour reforms.
Union representatives have warned of potential repercussions for wages, job security, and social benefits if the current policies remain unchanged. The nationwide strike represents one of the largest coordinated labor actions in recent years, reflecting deep-seated concerns about economic sovereignty and workers' rights in the context of international trade agreements.
