Karnataka bandh: Statewide Shutdown On March 22; From Ola, Namma Metro To ISC Exams, What Is Closed?

Karnataka Bandh: The Southern state of India, Karnataka is facing a 12-hour state-wide shut down, as the pro-Kannada organisation is going to carry protests after a bus conductor of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) was assaulted for not speaking in Marathi. Also, the organisation is going to protest the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill. The protest comes at a time when ISC students are scheduled to take their exams on the same day. A host of transportation are expected to be impacted by the protest. Let's find out!

School Exams:

Although, there are no Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations on March 22, however, students of Indian School Certificate (ISC) home science examinations will be held on the afternoon of Saturday. The schools have expressed their concerns related to the protests' impact on the travel of students and their examinations.

The protest is likely to commence at 6:00 AM on Saturday and is reported to finish at 6:00 PM.

The Karnataka State ICSE Schools Association has announced that proceed with the examinations as per schedule. So far, there are 50 ISC institutes in the state, and 20 of them are residing in Bengaluru.

Cabs:

Ola, Uber, Cabs, and autorickshaws are supporting the protest. TN Sreenivas, president of Auto Rikshaw Drivers Union CITU has announced that approximately 20,000 drivers will join the protest.

Also, 2 lakh autorickshaws in Bengaluru may not operate on Saturday.

Further, N Ashok Kumar, vice-president, of Ola Uber Drivers' and Owners' Association also announced that Ola and Uber drivers are also in support of the bandh.

Buses, Metros:

However, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses are reportedly going to be operational, but the chances of the services not being at full-scale is high. No official statement is made regards to the buses operations in Karnataka on Saturday.

Just like Bengaluru's metro services, Nammo Metro is said to be operating as its daily routine.

Trains, Flights:

Both trains and flights are going to be operational. However, due to a shortage of rickshaws, Ola or Uber, reaching airports or railway stations could be difficult. Authorities have advised to plan the journey beforehand.

Food Delivery And Quick Services App:

Food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato are going to be operating. Including the quick delivery apps like like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart. But delays in delivery could be expected due to the protest.

Hospitals, Pharmacies:

These services will be operational without disruption.

The protest is expected to take place in areas like Majestic, Town Hall, Mysore Bank Circle, and Freedom Park.

FAQS About Karnataka Protests:

Question 1: What is the reason behind the Karnataka bandh scheduled on March 22?

Answer: The Karnataka bandh is organized by pro Kannada outfits to protest the assault on a conductor in Belagavi for not speaking in Marathi.

Question 2: How is the government responding to the Karnataka bandh?

Answer: Karnataka's deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar stated that the government will not support the bandh and aims to engage in discussions with the protesting organizations.

Question 3: What impact will the Karnataka bandh have on schools and students?

Answer: There is uncertainty regarding school operations, particularly for ISC students who have an examination scheduled for the same day as the bandh.

Question 4: What actions have been taken to prevent disruptions during the bandh?

Answer: Police officers have been stationed in Kalaburagi and other areas as a preventive measure to ensure that normal daily activities continue without disruption.

Question 5: Will transport services be affected during the Karnataka bandh?

Answer: Yes, a section of pro Kannada organizations has indicated that cabs and autos may stay off the roads during the bandh, affecting transport services.

Karnataka is a state in southwest India with Arabian Sea coastlines. The capital, Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), is a high-tech hub known for its shopping and nightlife.