• Source:JND
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Kolkata Bharat Bandh On July 9: Kolkata is expected to feel the impact of the nationwide Bharat Bandh on Tuesday, July 9, as several sectors brace for disruptions. The strike, called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, is aimed at protesting what organisers describe as the Central government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate” policies. While essential services may be hit, schools, colleges, and most private offices in the city are likely to remain open, though public transport and some government-run institutions may face interruptions.

Why the Bharat Bandh?

More than 25 crore workers across India are expected to participate in the strike, spanning industries such as banking, postal services, coal mining, transport, and construction. The unions have strongly criticised recent labour reforms, which they say undermine job security, restrict the right to unionise, and worsen employment conditions. The protest also highlights rising youth unemployment, surging inflation, and inadequate investment in public sectors like health and education. 

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What Are the Key Demands?

The unions have placed a list of demands before the Centre, including:

  • Repeal the four labour codes recently introduced
  • Protect the right to strike and unionise
  • Create new employment opportunities and fill existing government job vacancies
  • Increase wages and expand workdays under MGNREGA
  • Boost public spending on health, education, and essential services

Core Issues Highlighted by Unions:

  • No national labour conference has been held in the past decade
  • Record-high unemployment among youth
  • Retired personnel being rehired instead of recruiting new candidates
  • Alleged efforts to suppress protests and weaken trade unions

Likely Disruptions in Kolkata and Beyond:

The following services are expected to be affected on July 9:

  • Banking and insurance operations
  • Postal services
  • Coal mining and related industrial work
  • Government offices and Public Sector Units (PSUs)
  • State-run transport services

Despite the strike, educational institutions and private workplaces are likely to operate normally. However, commuters in Kolkata should prepare for possible delays or cancellations in public transport and train schedules.

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Who’s Taking Part In Bharat Bandh?

The strike has drawn widespread participation from both formal and informal sectors. Major trade unions supporting the bandh include:

  • All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
  • Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
  • Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
  • Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
  • Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
  • Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
  • United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

Backing has also come from major farmer and rural labour organisations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, and public sector employees from the Railways, NMDC Ltd, and steel industries.