Bharat Bandh: Over 25 Crore Workers Set for Nationwide Strike, Major Disruptions Expected

On July 9, 2025, India will witness one of its largest general strikes, as more than 25 crore workers across the country prepare to participate in a nationwide Bharat Bandh. The strike is organized by a coalition of 10 central trade unions, supported by major farmer groups, to protest the government’s economic and labor policies.

 

Who Is Participating and Why?

 

- Workers from critical sectors such as banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, highways, and construction are joining the strike. The unions allege the government’s policies are anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate, citing the implementation of new labor codes, increased contractualization, lack of public sector recruitment, and wage stagnation as key grievances.

 

- A 17-point charter of demands was submitted to the Labour Minister last year, but unions claim their concerns remain unaddressed. They also criticize the government for not holding the Indian Labour Conference for over a decade and for prioritizing employer interests under the guise of ease of doing business.

 

Impact on Daily Life

 

- The strike is expected to disrupt banking services, postal operations, coal mining, state transport, factories, and public sector units. Many schools and colleges may remain closed, while essential services like healthcare and emergency services are likely to operate as usual.

 

- Farmers and rural laborers, led by groups such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, will also participate, with rallies planned in villages to highlight rising unemployment, inflation, and cuts in social sector spending.

 

Broader Concerns

 

- The unions have raised additional issues, including the alleged misuse of constitutional institutions, attempts to criminalize protests, and threats to citizenship rights. They describe the Bharat Bandh as a unified resistance from both urban and rural India against policies perceived to increase inequality and hardship for the working class.

 

Sources: NDTV Profit, Economic Times, Financial Express, Business Standard, Business Today