Bharat Bandh July 9, 2025: Are schools, banks closed? Check disruptions, updates, and more at The Interview Times!
Bharat Bandh July 9, 2025: Are Schools, Banks Closed? All You Need to Know
New Delhi, July 8, 2025 – A massive nationwide strike, termed Bharat Bandh, is set to bring India to a standstill on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as over 25 crore workers from various sectors join hands to protest against government policies. Organized by a forum of 10 central trade unions, including the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), and supported by farmers’ and rural workers’ organizations like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the strike aims to oppose what unions describe as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bharat Bandh, its impact on schools, banks, and other services, and what to expect across the country.
Why the Bharat Bandh?
The call for the Bharat Bandh stems from growing discontent among workers and farmers over central government policies. Trade unions have accused the government of prioritizing corporate interests through measures such as:
- Privatization of Public Sector Enterprises: Unions claim the government is selling off critical public assets, threatening job security.
- Outsourcing and Casualization: Policies promoting contract-based employment are seen as eroding workers’ rights and benefits.
- Anti-Farmer Policies: Farmers, led by groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are protesting against policies they believe undermine agricultural livelihoods.
- Unemployment and Economic Inequality: The unions argue that current economic policies favor corporations while neglecting workers and rural communities.
Amarjeet Kaur of AITUC emphasized, “More than 25 crore workers, alongside farmers and rural laborers, will join this historic strike to demand justice and rollback of these anti-people policies.” The strike is expected to see participation from sectors like banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, transport, and construction, potentially disrupting daily life across urban and rural India.
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Will Schools and Colleges Be Closed?
No official notification has been issued by the central or state governments declaring a holiday for schools and colleges on July 9, 2025. Most institutions are expected to remain open. However, there are some caveats:
- Transport Disruptions: Public transport services, including state-run buses, may be affected, potentially impacting student and staff attendance. In states like Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, where union activity is strong, commuting to schools could be challenging.
- Local Decisions: Some schools, especially in areas with planned protests or road blockades, may opt for online classes or advise caution. For instance, in Bengaluru, schools are expected to function normally, but parents are urged to check with local authorities.
Parents and students are advised to contact their institutions for specific updates and monitor local news for any last-minute changes.
Are Banks Closing?
While no official bank holiday has been declared for July 9, 2025, banking services are likely to face significant disruptions due to the participation of bank employees’ unions, such as the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and the Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association. Key points include:
- Public Sector Banks: Services like branch operations, cash withdrawals, cheque clearances, and customer support may be affected, particularly in public sector and cooperative banks. In cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, and Kanpur, disruptions are anticipated.
- Private Banks: Private banks are expected to operate with minimal interruptions, though services could be limited in areas with heavy protests.
- Online Banking and ATMs: Customers are encouraged to use digital banking platforms or ATMs to avoid inconvenience.
- Stock Markets Unaffected: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will function normally, with trading hours from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Bank customers should plan ahead, especially for in-person transactions, and check with their local branches for operational status.
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Other Services: What’s Open, What’s Closed?
The Bharat Bandh is expected to impact a wide range of public and private services, with varying degrees of disruption depending on the region and sector:
- Public Transport: State-run bus services, particularly in states like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, may face significant disruptions. In Mumbai, BEST buses and local trains are expected to operate normally unless transport unions join the strike.
- Railways: No nationwide railway strike has been announced, but protests near stations or tracks in states with strong union presence could cause delays. Railway unions have not officially confirmed participation.
- Postal Services: Post offices may face closures or delays in mail delivery and counter services due to worker participation.
- Coal Mining and Industry: Operations in mining belts and public sector units like the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) are likely to be halted.
- Private Offices and Shops: Most private offices, retail shops, and markets are expected to remain open, though local conditions, such as road blockades, may affect operations.
- Essential Services: Emergency services, including hospitals, police, ambulances, and fire departments, will remain fully operational.
Regional Impact of Bharat Bandh: What to Expect in Key Cities
The scale of disruptions will vary across India, depending on local union activity and administrative responses. Here’s a breakdown of expected impacts in major regions:
- Uttar Pradesh: Banking, transport, and public services in cities like Lucknow and Kanpur are likely to be hit hard. Road blockades and rallies may disrupt commuting.
- Kerala: Public transport, already strained by a private bus operators’ strike, will face further disruptions. The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have called for widespread participation.
- Mumbai: Banking, postal, and electricity services may be affected, but Mumbai’s local trains and BEST buses are expected to run normally.
- Bengaluru: Major disruptions are anticipated in public services, including transport and banking. Schools are likely to remain open, but parents should stay updated.
- Delhi: Light rain is forecast, which, combined with protests, could complicate commuting. Public transport and banking services may face disruptions.
Farmers’ Role in the Bharat Bandh
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and agricultural workers’ unions have pledged full support for the Bharat Bandh, planning rallies, road blockades, and peaceful demonstrations in rural areas. These actions aim to highlight grievances over agricultural policies and strengthen solidarity with workers. Rural mobilizations are expected to be particularly strong in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Public Advisory: How to Prepare
With widespread disruptions expected, citizens are advised to take the following precautions:
- Check with Schools: Confirm with educational institutions about operations or transport arrangements.
- Bank Online: Use digital banking services or ATMs to avoid delays at branches.
- Plan Travel: Anticipate delays in public transport and monitor local news for road closure updates.
- Stay Informed: Follow credible news outlets like The Interview Times or official government channels for real-time updates.
Conclusion
The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is poised to be one of the largest coordinated strikes in recent Indian history, with over 25 crore workers and farmers uniting to voice their demands. While essential services will remain operational, disruptions in banking, transport, and other public sectors are inevitable. Citizens are urged to plan ahead, stay informed, and exercise caution amidst potential protests and blockades.
For the latest updates on the Bharat Bandh and its impact, keep following The Interview Times.