A joint forum of 10 central trade unions, along with associated workers' and farmers' organisations, has called for Bharat Bandh on July 9 (Wednesday) to register protest against the "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies of the Centre.

Over 25 crore workers from government sectors, including banking, postal services, mining, construction, and transport, will join the nationwide general strike.

Schools and private offices are likely to remain open.

According to these trade unions, the government is pushing economic and labour reforms that weaken worker rights, suppress collective bargaining, and worsen job conditions, in the name of ease of doing business.

"Farmers and rural workers will also join the protest across the country," said Amarjeet Kaur from the All India Trade Union Congress.

Who is participating in the Bharat Bandh?

Participating organisations include:

• All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
• Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
• Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
• Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS).
• Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA).
• Labour Progressive Federation (LPF).
• United Trade Union Congress (UTUC).

What are their demands?

• Halt the four labour codes.
• Restore workers' right to unionise and strike.
• Create more jobs, especially for youth (65% of India's population is under 35).
• Fill government vacancies with new recruitments.
• Increase MGNREGA wages and expand it to urban areas.
• Strengthen public health, education, and civic services.

What will remain shut?

The Bharat Bandh is expected to disrupt major public services across India, including banking and insurance services, postal operations, coal mining and industrial production, state-run public transport, government offices, and public sector units.

• Banking and insurance services.
• Postal operations.
• Coal mining and industrial production.
• State-run public transport.
• Government offices and public sector units.
• Farmer-led rallies in rural areas.

The strike is supported by farmers' groups like Samyukta Kisan Morcha, rural worker unions, public sector staff from Railways, NMDC Ltd, and the steel industries.

What will remain open tomorrow?

• Schools and colleges.
• Private offices.
• Trains as no confirmed strike, but delays are expected.