Massive Bharat Bandh Scheduled for July 9: Over 25 Crore Workers Across India to Strike, Key Sectors Brace for Widespread Disruption

A massive nationwide strike—popularly referred to as Bharat Bandh—has been announced for Wednesday, July 9, with an estimated over 25 crore workers from crucial public service sectors gearing up to participate.

The call for the strike comes from a coalition of 10 central trade unions in India who are united in their stand against the government’s prevailing economic and labour policies.

The strike is poised to be one of the most significant industrial actions in the country’s recent history, with the potential to disrupt a wide spectrum of essential services.

#BharatBandh2025

Among the sectors expected to be impacted are banking, insurance, coal mining, postal services, construction, state transport, and factories, with the workers of these industries voicing their dissatisfaction over what they describe as anti-worker and anti-poor measures implemented by the central government.

The strike is not just a call for better labour rights but a broader expression of public anger over unemployment, inflation, and wage stagnation.

#StrikeForJustice

Speaking to the media, Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, a key figure from the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, confirmed that the nationwide protest will likely cripple essential services across India.

He noted that operations in banks, coal mines, post offices, and public transport will either be fully suspended or significantly slowed down, affecting millions of citizens in both rural and urban areas.

The strike, he said, is a last resort against a decade of governmental apathy towards workers’ concerns.

#WorkersUniteIndia

The banking sector, in particular, is expected to bear the brunt of the strike. The Bengal Provincial Bank Employees Association, which is affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), has formally extended its support.

According to their statement, both public and private bank employees are set to participate in large numbers. The insurance sector, too, will witness a coordinated walkout by employees.

Although regulatory authorities have made no official declaration of a bank holiday, citizens should brace for widespread delays, closure of bank branches, and interrupted financial transactions.

#BankStrikeAlert

Contrary to rumours, educational institutions—including schools, colleges, and universities—are expected to function normally on July 9. As of now, there has been no formal directive from the state or central governments declaring a public holiday in light of the bandh.

However, parents and students are being advised to stay alert for any local disruptions, protests, or transport-related delays, especially in cities where the strike may lead to road blockades or traffic snarls.

#EducationUpdate

An area of particular concern is the power sector, which could also face major disruption.

Reports indicate that over 27 lakh power sector employees, including engineers, linemen, and support staff, have pledged their support to the bandh.

If a substantial portion of these workers stay off duty, power outages or grid instability in several regions cannot be ruled out.

Consumers and businesses have been advised to take precautionary measures such as charging essential devices and ensuring backup systems are functional.

#PowerSectorProtest

While there has been no official confirmation of a strike within the railway sector, there remains a strong possibility of disruptions in train schedules due to protests at railway stations, slowdowns, or demonstrations on tracks.

Even in the absence of a formal railway union call for a strike, picketing by other unionised workers or support demonstrations could indirectly affect railway services, leading to passenger delays or cancellations.

#TrainTravelAlert

At the core of this mass movement is deep dissatisfaction with the government’s labour policy record. The central trade unions have lambasted the government for failing to convene the Indian Labour Conference for the past ten years, a critical forum where labour issues are discussed and resolved.

They accuse the administration of pursuing pro-corporate policies, weakening labour protections, and fostering an economic climate that has led to massive job losses and worsening living standards.

#LabourRightsNow

One of the most alarming aspects, the union leaders noted, is the state of youth unemployment.

With 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, and the 20–25 age group experiencing the highest levels of joblessness, the unions believe that government inaction poses a direct threat to the country’s social fabric and future economic growth.

They argue that current policies have not only failed to create adequate employment opportunities but have also widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

#YouthUnemploymentCrisis

 

 

As the countdown to July 9 begins, citizens across the country are being urged to prepare in advance. From banking and electricity to transportation and postal services, the ripple effects of the Bharat Bandh could extend beyond the day itself, potentially impacting various sectors for several days.

People are encouraged to complete essential transactions, schedule travel smartly, and monitor local news channels for real-time updates.

#NationwideShutdownAlert

In conclusion, the July 9 Bharat Bandh is not just a labour protest—it is a national call for structural reform in governance, employment generation, and wage fairness.

Whether or not the government responds meaningfully, the scale and intensity of the strike signal a strong warning: India’s working class is unwilling to remain silent in the face of economic hardship and policy indifference.

#IndiaOnStrike

(With additional reporting from PTI)