Bharat Bandh 2025: Nationwide Strike Halts India on 9 July
On Wednesday, 9 July 2025, India witnessed yet another major Bharat Bandh, a general strike by trade unions, farmers and rural workers. Called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions (including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, SEWA, among others), over 25 crore (250 million) workers participated in protest against what union leaders describe as anti‑worker, pro‑corporate, and farmer‑hostile policies of the central government .
What Triggered the Bandh?
Trade union leaders emphasize that the strike stems from the government’s:
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Passage of four new labour codes weakening worker rights and collective bargaining.
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Push for privatization of public sector units—including banks, ordnance factories, and insurance services.
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Rise in contractualisation of jobs and de‑gradation of permanent employment.
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Neglect of a 17‑point charter of demands, including wage hikes, job security, restoration of old pension scheme, social security for informal sector workers–first submitted in 2024.
Amarjeet Kaur (AITUC) and Harbhajan Singh Sidhu (HMS) noted that banking, insurance, postal services, coal‑mining, factories and public transport across states with strong union presence—West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra—were worst hit.
Demands at a Glance
| Demand | Reason |
|---|---|
| Rollback of 4 new labour codes | To restore collective bargaining and right to strike |
| Stop PSU and public service privatization | Concerns over job security and public interest |
| Guarantee minimum wage (₹26,000) & 8‑hr workday | To combat inflation and wage stagnation |
| Reinstatement of old pension scheme | Support ageing workforce and secure retirement |
| Expansion of MGNREGA to 200 days & urban equivalent | To alleviate unemployment and rural distress |
| Restore Indian Labour Conference | Platform for tripartite dialogue—absent for over 10 years |
| Ban on contractualisation/outsourcing | Promote job stability across sectors |
| Oppose Agnipath military scheme | Seen as temporary, less secure for youth |
| Halt privatisation of defense ordnance factories | Citing national security and worker rights concerns |
| Compliance with ILO conventions | To ensure international labour standards implementation |
Major farmer groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha joined in solidarity, highlighting shared grievances over inflation, rural distress, and shrinking employment opportunities.
Who Participated?
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Trade Unions: INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC.
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Banking & Insurance Employees: AIBEA, AIBOA, BEFI, others across nationalised & cooperative banks.
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Postal & Public Transport Workers: Supported by state‑level union branches.
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Coal & Industrial Workers: Factories and mining sectors participated heavily.
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Farmers & Rural Labour: Included through farmer’s groups and agricultural unions.
What Was Disrupted?
Public Sector Services:
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Banks & Insurance: Many branches shut or operated minimally, impacting ₹15,000 crore in transactions, cheque clearances, ATMs, and branch services.
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Postal Services: Largely closed in most regions.
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Coal Mines & Corporate Factories: Partial to full shutdown in unionised operations.
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State Transport: Public buses, taxis, autos, and app‑based cabs saw limited operations, especially in metros.
Public Transportation partly functioning, but road blockades, marches near stations caused delays; railway schedules affected due to protests and security lockdowns .
Urban Traffic jammed in cities like Bengaluru, where protests around Freedom Park forced commuters to take alternate routes .
Non‑essential sectors: Schools, colleges, private offices mostly remained open while private retail and restaurants continued operations with occasional disruptions .
On‑Ground Scenario
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Gujarat: Around 20,000 bank employees struck work in some 3,678 branches—potentially impacting ₹15,000 crore of daily transactions.
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Kerala: Standoff between unions and KSRTC management; buses mostly ran amid warnings and risk of penalties .
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Bengaluru: Thousands organized at Freedom Park; commuters rerouted due to congestion.
Broader Context & Historical Echoes
This strike marks the 22nd nationwide general strike since liberalisation in 1991, with major past shutdowns in 2020, 2022, and 2024. It is both a protest against labour law reforms and an assertion of the unions’ influence amidst government privatisation efforts. It comes ahead of several state elections, underscoring the political undercurrents.
What This Means for You
For Citizens:
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Expect delays in banking, postal, public transport, and insurance services.
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Prefer digital payments, withdraw cash in advance, plan non‑urgent work outside bandh hours.
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Monitor local advisories, especially from state police or transport authorities.
For Workers:
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Unions aim to pressure the government into rolling back labour reforms—outcomes of these repeated strikes could shape future policy.
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Watch for follow‑up negotiations; the government may propose phased engagement or rollback.
For Businesses & Local Governments:
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Strikes of such magnitude can influence state policy, especially on labour laws, public sector disinvestment, and welfare programs.
Conclusion: A Loud Wake-Up Call for Policy Makers
The Bharat Bandh on 9 July 2025 was not merely a day of disruption—it was a powerful expression of nationwide discontent. With over 25 crore workers and farmers uniting in protest, the message was clear: India’s working class is unwilling to accept reforms that compromise job security, workers’ rights, or public welfare.
The strike served as a reminder that development must be inclusive, and economic reforms should balance the interests of both employers and employees. It also highlighted the growing urban-rural solidarity, as farmers and workers rallied behind a common cause—protection of livelihoods, social security, and democratic dialogue.
