Jharkhand Gears Up for Bharat Bandh: Banks, Coal Mines, and More to Face Disruption

Jharkhand is preparing for the Bharat Bandh, a nationwide strike involving an estimated 250 million workers. The strike is a response to the government’s labor and agricultural policies, spearheaded by a coalition of ten central trade unions and associated organizations. The impact will be felt across various sectors, including banking, insurance, postal services, and coal mining. A majority of labor unions in Jharkhand, excluding the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and its affiliates, are participating in the strike. Several political parties have also expressed their support. Workers from diverse sectors such as coal, banks, government employees, and others are expected to join the strike. A torchlight procession was organized in Ranchi to garner support for the bandh. Key demands include repealing labor codes, a minimum wage and pension, controlling inflation, stopping privatization, protecting union rights, and ensuring public services and guaranteed MSP for farmers. Services such as banking, insurance, postal services, coal mine operations, and state transport are likely to be affected. Private companies, hospitals, and educational institutions are expected to operate normally.