Banking, Transport Services Hit As Nation Observes 'Bharat Bandh' Today

NEW DELHI: As many as 10 Central Trade Unions and various sectoral Independent federations and associations have called a nationwide strike, 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday. This agitation observed about 25 crore people who took part in it. This strike is being carried out to protest against the government's anti-people policies.

While the Central government has asked the public sector undertakings to stop their employees from participating in the strike and encourage them to ensure the smooth functioning of the enterprises, the banking, transport and other services across the country are likely to be hit by the nationwide strike today.

The stock exchange has also been informed by the banks that they would be non-functional today. Stock Exchange Board of India has also been warned against the impact of 'Bharat Bandh' on banking services like deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and instrument issuance.

The government, however, has issued a memorandum saying, "Any employee going on strike in any form, including protest, would face the consequences. People participating in it will have to face a deduction of wages along with appropriate disciplinary action."

People joining the 'Bharat Bandh':

1. It is expected that about 60 students organisations and elected office-bearers of some Universities have joined the strike against increased fee structure and commercialization of education.
2. About 175 farmers and Agricultural Workers' Union have also extended their support to the nationwide 'Bandh'.

To be mentioned that the 'Bharat Bandh' was called by some trade unions affiliated to left and other parties in West Bengal, against the economic policies of the Centre. The state government, however, had opposed giving any support to these unions in this strike.