Banking services to face delay nationwide as 10 trade unions lead Bharat Bandh

A nationwide strike, dubbed "Bharat Bandh," commenced at 6 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with an estimated 25 crore workers participating across various sectors. The strike, called by a forum of 10 central trade unions, is a protest against the Central government's "pro-corporate" policies, which unions claim are detrimental to workers and farmers. Services in banking, postal, coal mining, factories, and state transport are expected to face significant disruptions throughout the day.

While no state has officially announced bank closures, banking services are anticipated to be delayed or affected as employees join the strike. Although July 9 has not been declared a banking holiday, banks across India are likely to operate with reduced staff due to the bandh. In contrast, educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have not been notified of any holiday and are expected to function uninterruptedly.

The wide-ranging strike may also impact electricity supply, with over 27 lakh power workers slated to participate. While there has been no official announcement regarding a nationwide railway strike, commuters should anticipate potential delays or disruptions in train services due to protests. The 10 central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC, along with farmers' organizations and MGNREGA workers, have rallied for this bandh, criticizing the government for not holding the annual labour conference for a decade and for policies allegedly leading to unemployment, rising prices, and wage depression.