Bharat Bandh 2024:The central trade unions and SKM have called for a “Bharat Bandh” on February 16 as the Farmers’ Protest approaches its third day. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has commenced the annual board examinations for classes 10th and 12th, raising concerns among students about potential disruptions to the school schedule.
Currently, workers and farmers are coordinating a collective strike known as the “sectoral industrial strike” and “Grameen Bharat Bandh.” The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), a farmers’ group, is appealing to all similar farmer organizations to join forces for the protest, scheduled from 6 AM to 4 PM.
Farmers plan to implement extensive road blockades nationwide from 12 PM to 4 PM. In Punjab, numerous state and national highways will close for four hours on Friday.
Education Boards for Bharat Bandh
Due to potential traffic disruptions amid political unrest in North Indian states, CBSE has advised exam-going students to utilize metro services instead of roadways to reach their designated examination centers. The state government has not altered the school schedule, as CBSE, ICSE, and BSEB have already commenced the exams.
What would be closed during the Bharat Bandh 2024?
According to media reports, on Friday, there is a possibility of closure for various private and government offices, and village shops, and a halt in transportation, agricultural activities, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) projects. The fate of the government-appointed panel on Minimum Support Price (MSP), established after the 2021 farmers’ protest, remains uncertain.
During the Bharat Bandh, essential services like ambulance operations, medical shops, and schools will continue without any interruption. This assures that despite potential disruptions in certain sectors, essential services will be accessible to uphold public safety and well-being throughout the strike period.
Ratnavali