Banking and public sector services across India are facing major disruptions today as the Bharat Bandh called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions began at 6 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Although banks remain technically open, services are being delayed or hampered due to mass participation of workers in the nationwide strike.
What’s Affected:
- Banking Services: No official holiday declared, but staffing is significantly affected
- Coal Mining, Postal, State Transport: Likely to be hit across major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata
- Public Utilities & Rural Services: MGNREGA workers, self-employed groups have joined the bandh
- General Public: Disruptions reported in cheque clearance, cash handling, and branch services in public sector banks
Who’s Behind the Bharat Bandh?
The strike is led by a coalition of the following 10 national trade unions:
- INTUC – Indian National Trade Union Congress
- AITUC – All India Trade Union Congress
- HMS – Hind Mazdoor Sabha
- CITU – Centre of Indian Trade Unions
- AIUTUC – All India United Trade Union Centre
- TUCC – Trade Union Coordination Centre
- SEWA – Self-Employed Women’s Association
- AICCTU – All India Central Council of Trade Unions
- LPF – Labour Progressive Federation
- UTUC – United Trade Union Congress
They are protesting what they call the Central government’s “pro-corporate, anti-worker” policies, including privatization, weakening of labour laws, and unemployment.
Key Demands:
- Rollback of labour law amendments
- Opposition to disinvestment in PSUs and banks
- Secure employment for contract and informal workers
- Enhanced social security for all
- Better minimum wages and pensions
Why Today?
The strike was originally scheduled for May 20 but was postponed due to the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. July 9 was selected to maximize impact during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
Banking Status Today:
| City | Bank Open | Service Disruption Likely |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Yes | Yes – due to staff shortages |
| Mumbai | Yes | Partial disruptions reported |
| Bengaluru | Yes | Delays in counters and cash services |
| Kolkata | Yes | Heavy union presence, services hit |
| Patna, Chennai, Jaipur, Lucknow | Yes | Varying disruptions |
No official state-wide shutdown has been announced by any state government, but employees of nationalized banks and RBI-affiliated unions are expected to join in solidarity.
Public Advisory:
- Online banking and ATMs are mostly unaffected
- Customers are advised to postpone branch visits unless urgent
- Cheque clearances and loan services may be delayed
- Call ahead if visiting smaller rural branches
Support Beyond Trade Unions:
In addition to labour unions, the strike has gained support from:
- Farmers’ organisations
- MGNREGA workers
- Self-employed women’s collectives
- Youth employment groups
Outlook:
This Bharat Bandh is likely to intensify political pressure ahead of state elections later this year. With more than 25 crore workers expected to participate, the scale of this strike could lead to significant shifts in labour policy discourse.
Stay tuned for live updates and official responses from government ministries and banking regulators.
Bottom Line:
While banks are open, services are definitely impacted today. Customers should expect delays and disruptions across multiple sectors as Bharat Bandh unfolds.