A nationwide Bharat Bandh is scheduled for July 9, 2025, called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions and various farmers' and workers' organizations to protest against the government's "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies. The unions allege that the government's economic and labor reforms undermine worker rights, weaken collective bargaining, and worsen job conditions under the guise of promoting ease of doing business.

Impact on Services:

• Public Transport: Major disruptions are expected across public services, including state-run transport services. Public modes of transport like buses, taxis, and app-based cabs may face disruptions due to planned protest marches and road blockades in several cities. Kerala is expected to face major disruption in its public transport system for two days.
• Banking and Insurance: Banking and insurance services are likely to be affected. Although no official bank holiday has been announced, banking operations may be impacted due to employee participation in the strike.
• Postal Services: Postal operations are also expected to face disruptions.
• Mining and Industrial Production: Coal mining and industrial production are likely to be affected.
• Government Offices and PSUs: Government offices and public sector units (PSUs) may experience disruptions. While no official holiday has been declared, office work may be slower due to staff participation in the strike.
• Railways: While railway unions have not formally announced a strike, train services may be delayed or disrupted due to demonstrations near tracks or stations.

What Remains Open:

• Schools and Colleges: Schools and colleges are expected to remain open, though some areas may experience disruptions due to transportation issues. Puducherry and Tamil Nadu may face complete shutdowns, and educational institutions have been asked to remain shut due to the disruption of public transportation, including buses.
• Private Offices: Private offices are likely to stay open, but employee attendance may be affected due to commuting problems.
• Stock Markets: The Indian stock market, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), will remain open on July 9, 2025. Trading will occur as usual, from 9 am to 3.30 pm.

Reasons for the Bharat Bandh:

The Bharat Bandh has been called to protest the central government's "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies. The trade unions are demanding the following:

• Halt to the four labor codes
• Restoration of workers' rights to unionize and strike
• Creation of more jobs, especially for youth
• Filling government vacancies with new recruitments
• Increase in MGNREGA wages and expansion of the scheme to urban areas
• Strengthening of public health, education, and civic services

Expected Participation:

More than 25 crore workers from various sectors, including banking, insurance, postal services, coal mining, highways, and construction, are expected to participate in the Bharat Bandh. Farmers and rural workers are also expected to join the protests.

Additional Disruptions:

In Bihar, a separate bandh has been called by the INDIA Bloc on the same day to oppose a controversial voter list revision, potentially intensifying disruptions in the state.