A massive nationwide general strike was observed on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, as a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, supported by farmer and rural worker organisations, enforced a Bharat Bandh to protest against central government policies. The strike saw participation from an estimated 250 million (25 crore) workers from formal and informal sectors.
Why the Strike: A 17‑Point Charter of Grievances
t the core of the bandh is a 17‑point charter of demands submitted to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya last year. Key demands include:
- Repeal of the four new labour codes, which unions allege dilute workers’ rights, restrict strikes, extend working hours, and make contract employment more prevalent.
- Opposition to PSU privatisation, especially in sectors like defense, railways, coal, and electricity.
- Minimum wage of ₹26,000/month, eight‑hour workday, old‑pension scheme revival, ₹9,000 EPFO minimum pension, statutory MSP for farmers and loan waivers.
Unions argue these reforms contradict workers’ interests while promoting corporate agendas.
Who’s Participating?
The bandh involves 10 major central trade unions: INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, AIUTUC, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, TUCC.
Additional support came from:
- Farmer organisations like Samyukta Kisan Morcha
- Rural workers
- Employees from PSUs (NMDC, steel plants, Railways)
Some state-level unions also participated. Notably, Kerala’s KSRTC employees faced pressure from state authorities to remain at work; however, Left‑aligned unions insisted strike notices were filed.
Disruptions Expected: Banks, Transport & More
The bandh has significantly impacted various sectors:
- Banking & Insurance: Branches across many states closed or operating with skeleton staff. Gujarat alone could see disruptions to ₹15,000 crore of transactions across ~3,678 branches.
- Postal Services: Nationwide stoppage as union members joined the strike.
- Public Transport & Coal Mining: State-run buses, coal, and copper mines affected in regions like Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu .
- Power Sector: Over 2.7 million employees reportedly joined, raising concerns over power supply in several regions.
- Train Services: Officially not on strike, but protests near stations and slower logistics may cause delays.
What Remains Functional?
Despite widespread disruptions, some services continue:
- Schools, colleges, private offices, hospitals & emergency services largely operating as usual Metro, autos, cabs generally functional in urban areas.
Local advisories are urging parents and commuters to plan carefully.
State Responses & Enforcement
State governments and law enforcement took precautions:
- West Bengal & Gujarat: Government employees asked to report; police deployed extra personnel to maintain order.
- Kerala: KSRTC buses largely off-road; government designated a “dies non” for officers who skipped work; police oversight was increased.
- Bihar: Opposition leaders joined protests; marches formed despite clashes in regions like Gaya; security presence intensified
Final Takeaway
The Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025 reflects deep-rooted dissatisfaction with labour reforms, privatisation, and rising contractualisation. With 250 million+ participants, core public services were disrupted, though life in private and emergency sectors continued. The 17‑point charter of demands underscores a broad call to restore workers’ rights, secure livelihoods, and uphold public-sector integrity.
As the country awaits government response and possible negotiations, this strike will be remembered as a flashpoint in India’s ongoing tussle between corporate‑driven reforms and workers’ rights.
