Bharat Bandh: 30 Cr+ Workers To Go On Nationwide Strike On Feb-12; Banks To Schools, What Will Be Impacted?

February 12 is likely to witness a nationwide strike across the country. Approximately ten trade unions have declared a Bharat Bandh on the day, and at least 30 crore workers are expected to carry the general strike.

Nationwide Strike On February 12:

From agricultural workers including farmers to trade unions are likely to march in protest against policies that they believe is anti-worker, anti-farmer and pro-corporate by the central government.

All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told reporters that they are expecting not less than 30 crore workers participation on February 12th protest, which would exceed the previous nationwide strike on July 9, 2025, where about 25 crore workers participated.

Kaur revealed that activities in about 600 districts will be impacted due to the protest, which is higher from the 550 districts that were impacted in the previous protests. This estimate was derived from extensive mobilisation at district and block levels and support from farmers' organisations and sectoral federations.

Furthermore, Kaur revealed that amongst the BJP-ruled states, Odisha and Assam could see a near total shutdown, and other states will also be significantly effected by the protest.

These workers are reportedly demanding withdrawal of the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the SHANTI Act, restoration of MGNREGA, and repeal of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.

INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC are part of the joint platform who will participate in the nationwide strike.

During the weekend, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) issued a statement on Saturday, saying, the proposed interim trade agreement framework between India and the United States amounted to a "total surrender" of Indian agriculture to American multinational corporations, as per PTI report.

SKM has urged farmers to demonstrate a nationwide strike on February 12, and offer support to general strike of workers.

Bank Holiday On February 12?

As of now, RBI has not issued any statement regarding shutdown of all banks in India due to the nationwide protests. Hence, banks will be operational as normal, however, services could be impacted.

For instance, Bank of Baroda has issued a statement saying, they will take all necessary steps to ensure smooth functioning of branches and offices on February 12. But if the strike materialises, normal banking operations may be affected on the day.

Stock Market Holiday On February 12?

Trading in equity, derivatives, bonds, commodities, forex and other market-related instruments will not be impacted by the strike. BSE and NSE will be open and trade as normal on February 12.

School Holiday On February 12?

As per reports, schools and colleges will be closed in several states on February 12. A report said that due to the 24-hour protest, large parts of Kerala is expected to take a hit and accordingly educational system will be closed as teachers and students organisations are among the participants in the strike.

According to trade unions, workers from sectors like cashew, coir and handloom industries, fishing and fish marketing, commercial establishments, markets and shops, ports, public sector undertakings, private industries, loading and unloading units, construction, scheme-based employment, lottery services; the employment guarantee programme, telecom, electricity, motor transport, online trade and the IT sector are said to participate during the protests.

Offices Closed On February 12?

With a host of trade unions and workers from different sectors expected to participate in the protest on February 12, government and private office commutes and operations will be impacted if offices are open.