Bharat Bandh on July 9: What’s open, what’s closed? Will banks, schools remain open? Check details

New Delhi: A nationwide strike has been called on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions along with farmers’ and rural workers’ organisations. According to the reports, over 25 crore workers – from sectors ranging from banking and insurance to postal services to coal mining – are expected to participate in the bandh. The strike, called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, has been described as a ‘Bharat Bandh’ to protest against what the unions label as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national pro-corporate policies” of the central government.

The protest, branded as “Bharat Bandh,” aims to oppose the government’s policies which the unions describe as pro-corporate and anti-worker.

Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: Trade unions supporting the strike

The unions involved in the protest include major national bodies such as:

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

Bharat Band July 9: What’s open, what’s closed?

  • The strike is expected to affect multiple sectors, including:
  • Banking and financial services
  • Postal departments
  • Coal mining and factories
  • State transport services
  • Public sector units and government departments

The trade unions have issued a call to “make the nationwide general strike a grand success,” citing months of intensive preparations across formal and informal sectors. “More than 25 crore workers are expected to take part in the strike. Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country,” Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) told news agency PTI.

Bharat Bandh July 9: What about schools, colleges, offices?

Schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to remain open on July 9. However, normal operations in some areas may be disrupted due to transport-related issues. Public buses, taxis, and app-based cab services could be impacted as trade unions and affiliated groups plan protest marches and road demonstrations in several cities.

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