Bharat Bandh Today: Complete Guide to What’s Open and Closed on February 12, 2026

India faces major disruptions today as 30 crore workers participate in a massive nationwide strike. The Bharat Bandh, called by 10 central trade unions and supported by farmers’ organizations, is protesting against new labour codes and the India-US trade deal. Here’s everything you need to know about services affected across the country.

Bharat Bandh February 12: Quick Impact Overview

Source: Business Standard | Zee News

Why Is Bharat Bandh Happening?

The strike stems from multiple grievances against the Central Government:

Labour Code Opposition: Trade unions claim the four new labour codes (replacing 29 old laws) dilute workers’ rights, reduce job security, and favor employers with greater hiring-firing flexibility.

India-US Trade Deal Concerns: Farmers’ groups, particularly Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), fear the recent trade agreement will flood Indian markets with US agricultural and dairy imports, devastating domestic farmers. SKM leader Hannan Mollah stated, “The agreement will be a betrayal against farmers…We are surrendering before the shrewdness of the US.”

Key Demands Include:

• Repeal of four labour codes
• Withdrawal of Draft Seed Bill and Electricity Amendment Bill
• Restoration of MGNREGA job support schemes
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s resignation

Banking Services: What to Expect

Public sector banks face significant disruptions as major unions—AIBEA, AIBOA, and BEFI—join the protest. State Bank of India cautioned customers that “work may be impacted to a limited extent during the strike.”

What’s Affected: Branch operations, cheque clearances, cash deposits/withdrawals
What Works: ATMs, mobile banking, internet banking, NEFT/RTPS transfers
Important: Neither RBI nor individual banks declared February 12 a bank holiday, so branches remain technically open.

Schools and Colleges Status

No official announcement exists for a nationwide closure of schools and colleges. However, educational institutions in Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, and West Bengal may close due to strong local union support or transport disruptions.

Advice for Parents: Check official updates from your school/college directly. Some institutions may shift to online classes as a precautionary measure.

Transport Disruptions Across India

Expect major challenges:

Road Transport: State-run buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis likely off roads in Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal
Chakka Jam: Road blockades expected on major highways
Railways/Flights: Operating normally, but reaching stations/airports may be difficult
Recommendation: Start journeys early and check traffic updates frequently

Which States Are Most Affected?

Severe Impact: Kerala (total shutdown expected), Odisha
Significant Impact: West Bengal, Karnataka, Assam, Delhi
Moderate Impact: Other states with union presence

Kerala’s KSRTC services may be impacted as Left-backed unions participate, while BJP-backed NGO Sangh won’t join the bandh.

Essential Services Continue

According to official notices, these services remain operational:

• Hospitals and emergency medical care
• Ambulance services
• Pharmacies and medicine shops
• Milk supply chains
• Newspaper distribution
• Airports and critical infrastructure

What Remains Closed?

• Manufacturing units in Gurugram, Pune, Coimbatore (total/partial shutdowns)
• Wholesale markets in strong union areas
• Small-scale industries and IT sectors in protest regions
• Street vendors, press operations, scheme workers (24-hour suspension)
• Container freight stations and plantation sectors

Historical Context

This isn’t India’s first major general strike. Trade unions have previously organized massive protests, with some claiming participation of over 25 crore workers. However, today’s strike, expected to include over 30 crore workers, protests against the Central Government’s recent labor reforms, new rural laws, and proposed international trade agreements.

Safety and Precautions

Authorities have deployed police in sensitive areas to maintain law and order. Citizens are advised to:

• Avoid protest-prone routes unless necessary
• Stock essential items in advance
• Use digital banking for urgent transactions
• Verify local transport availability before traveling
• Monitor news updates throughout the day

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