Bharat Bandh Today: What is Open, What is Closed?

New Delhi: On Wednesday, a nationwide Bharat Bandh has been called by Dalit and Adivasi organisations, led by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, to protest recent Supreme Court decisions affecting Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). This strike is supported by several political parties, including the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), along with various left-wing groups.

Why the Bharat Bandh?

The bandh responds to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on August 1, which allows states to create sub-categories within SCs and STs. The Court’s decision overturns a 2004 ruling that regarded SCs and STs as a “homogenous group” and disallowed further classification. The new ruling allows states to prioritize specific sub-groups within SC and ST communities for job and education quotas. States can identify more vulnerable sub-categories that really need reservation and give them priority.

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti argues that this decision could dilute the benefits meant for marginalized communities. They demand court to reverse the ruling and also demands immediate release of data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services to ensure fair representation.

The bandh is taking place across the country, with notable activity expected in several states. In Rajasthan, local SC/ST groups are likely to be very active. Uttar Pradesh will increase security around major transport hubs to handle the situation. In Kerala, there may be significant disruptions, particularly in cities.

Visuals are surfacing on social media showing large road blockages and protesters in Bihar also supporting the Bharat Bandh.

What’s Affected?

Open:
- Emergency Services: Hospitals, ambulances, pharmacies, and other medical facilities will continue to operate.
- Public Utilities: Services such as drinking water, public transport, railways, and electricity will remain unaffected.
- Government Offices and Banks: These will function normally.
- Schools and Colleges: Most will be open, though some institutions in Rajasthan, including Jaipur and Dausa, will be closed in support of the bandh.

Shut:
- Business Establishments: Many businesses are expected to close in solidarity with the bandh call. But it depends on whether business owners support bandh or not. Compliance will vary, and it’s uncertain how widespread the closures will be.
- Marketplaces: Markets in affected states like Rajasthan, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh are likely to be impacted.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and coaching classes in specific districts of Rajasthan, such as Jaipur and Bharatpur, will be closed.

Authorities have heightened security measures in anticipation of disruptions. Senior officials are coordinating with local police and market associations to control the situation. Senior police officials are also engaging in talks with bandh organizers to ensure a peaceful demonstration.