Today, on 21st August, a Bharat Bandh has been announced. But remember that this is not a government order that schools or colleges will remain closed, it is only a call or request. The Supreme Court's decision on SC/ST reservation has come, due to which a particular community is angry and is ready to organize a Bharat Bandh. This community is against the decision of the Supreme Court.
The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organizations (NACDAOR) has released a list of demands which includes justice and equality for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Amidst the announcement of Bharat Bandh, common people want to know what will remain closed across the country today? Let us tell you what will remain open and what will remain closed today?
The 'Bharat Bandh' call has been given by the Rakhwankaran Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. Reports claim that the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has asked all commercial organisations to shut down all services except medical services, police and fire services from 6 am to 8 pm during the day-long protest. Public transport and train services will continue to run despite the bandh call.
Students should note that schools, colleges and other educational institutions will remain closed in many districts. No announcement has been made yet regarding the closure of government offices, banks and petrol pumps. However, students and parents are advised to call their school, college or educational institution to find out if they are required to attend.
So far, no state government has issued any guidelines on the announcement of Bharat Bandh regarding SC-ST reservation. Its effect can definitely be seen in states like Western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In such a situation, the police administration has become alert. However, common people have also been appealed not to come out of their homes. The organizations calling for Bharat Bandh have said that no public transport will run in the country, but no official announcement has been made in this regard. Public transport services may be affected at some places. Apart from this, private offices may also be closed at some places.
The SC-ST organisations have taken a contrary view to the recent verdict delivered by a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which, according to them, undermines the verdict delivered by a nine-judge bench in the landmark Indira Sawhney case that established the framework for reservation. NACDAOR has requested the government to repeal the verdict as it is a threat to the constitutional rights of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The organisation is also demanding that Parliament pass a new law on reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs, which should be secured by including it in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.