look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: Workers and farmers organizations are on the streets today against the ‘anti-labor’ and ‘anti-farmer’ policies of the central government. This bandh has been called in protest against the new labor codes, Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 and India-US trade deal. Its widespread impact is being seen in states like Odisha, Assam, Kerala and West Bengal.
What may be closed today? (What is closed)
The following services are likely to be partially or completely affected due to the strike:
Bank Services: Functioning in branches of public sector banks (like SBI, PNB, BoB) may be affected as major bank unions (AIBEA, BEFI) are involved in the strike. There may be delays in cash deposits and check clearance.
Public Transport: Roadways buses and auto-taxi unions in many states are supporting the strike. There are reports of complete chakka jam in Odisha and Assam.
Markets and Factories: Local markets and business establishments in industrial areas and farmer-dominated areas may remain voluntarily closed.
Rural Employment (MGNREGA): Due to the involvement of agricultural labor unions, work related to MNREGA is expected to remain closed today.
What will be open today? (What is Open)
Services essential for the convenience of the general public have been excluded from the strike:
emergency services: Hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies (medicine shops) and fire services are running normally.
Necessary items: The supply of milk, newspapers, water and electricity will not be interrupted.
Railways and Airports: Train and air services will operate as per schedule, however, passengers may have to use private vehicles to reach stations/airports.
Schools and Colleges: No holiday has been declared at the national level. Schools are open in states like Delhi, UP and Maharashtra, but in Kerala and Odisha the local administration has decided on holidays.
Private Banks and Online Banking: Private banks (HDFC, ICICI etc.) and digital services (UPI, Net Banking, ATM) will remain operational.
Why is the strike happening? (Main demands)
Following are the main reasons for the protest by unions and farmers:
New Labor Codes: Demand to withdraw 4 new codes brought in place of 29 labor laws.
Privatization: Ban on privatization of government undertakings and public sector banks.
Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Restoration of old pension for government employees.
India-US Trade Deal: Farmers fear that this deal will bring American dairy and agricultural products into the Indian market, which will harm local farmers.
