• By Nidhi Giri
  • Wed, 21 Aug 2024 10:33 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Bharat Bandh Today: Various organisations across the country have called for a "Bharat Bandh" today in protest against a Supreme Court decision to exclude creamy layer from the SC-ST quota. Several political parties, including Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), are supporting the bandh. "All Scheduled Castes and ST Scheduled Tribes communities are not a uniform group. Some castes may be more backward than others. For example, those involved in sewer cleaning and weaving. Both of these belong to the SC category, but people from these castes are often more backwards compared to others. To uplift these communities, state governments can classify (sub-categorize) the SC-ST reservation and set a separate quota for them. Doing so is not against Article 341 of the Constitution," the top court had noted.

Bharat Bandh Today: Security Measures and High Alert

Police across the country are on high alert in anticipation of potential unrest. In districts across India, police presence has been increased, with a high-level meeting held via video conferencing attended by divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officers.

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Western Uttar Pradesh has been identified as particularly sensitive and placed on high alert. DGP UR Sahoo stated, "We have asked our officials to organise meetings with groups calling for the bandh, as well as with market associations, to facilitate better cooperation."

Bharat Bandh Today: What's Open, What's Closed In Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune?

CLOSED

Markets: Protest organisers have urged business owners to keep markets closed, although it remains unclear how widespread the shutdown will be.

Public Transport: The bandh is expected to disrupt public transport services in all four cities, including buses and metro services.

Private Offices: Many private offices are likely to remain closed during the bandh.

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OPEN

Government Offices and Banks: Government offices and banks are expected to operate normally despite the bandh.

Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges are anticipated to remain open.

Petrol Pumps: Fuel stations will continue to serve the public.

Emergency Services: Hospitals, ambulances, and pharmacies will remain operational, ensuring that essential medical services are available.

Utilities: Critical services such as electricity, drinking water, and rail transport will also continue without disruption.

While the Bharat Bandh may cause some inconvenience, particularly in terms of public transport and business operations, police are taking steps to maintain law and order and minimise disruptions. Residents in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune are advised to stay informed and plan their activities accordingly.