Bharat Bandh on February 12: What’s open, what’s closed, and full list of affected services

The Indian working class is preparing for a nationwide general strike on Thursday (February 12, 2025), supported by unions representing agricultural, rural, and informal workers.

This strike has been jointly organised by fourteen national trade unions, along with employees and teachers from Central and State Civil Services, workers’ groups from Central and State Public Sector Undertakings, and independent trade unions.

All India Trade Union Congress General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur told PTI that this time ”not less than 30 crore workers will participate in the strike called on February 12.” Last time on July 9, 2025, about 25 crore workers took part in the agitation.

Reasons for the strike

The nationwide strike was called by the trade unions to demand the repeal of the four labour codes and withdrawal of several proposed and existing policies affecting workers and farmers.

Among their key demands are the following:

1. Withdrawal of the Labour Codes

2. Restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

Also read| Nationwide strike: university employees from Kerala to participate

3. Rollback of policies perceived to weaken Civil Services

4. Restoration of the old pension scheme

5. Withdrawal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

Farmers bodies like Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have also raised concerns over the India-US interim trade framework alleging that it could hurt Indian farmers.

Impact on the States

Ms. Kaur stated that the strike is expected to affect 600 districts across the country, an increase from approximately 550 districts last year, as reported by PTI. She mentioned that Odisha and Assam will be entirely shut down, and that other States will also experience significant disruptions due to the protest.

Banking operations, transport services, and government offices in many areas may be affected. However, essential services such as hospitals, ambulance services, airports, medical facilities, private offices, and ATMs are exempt.

For schools and colleges

There is no official nationwide holiday for educational institutions. However, schools and colleges in States like Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal are likely to close due to strong local support for the strike. Parents should check with local school authorities.

Nationwide general strike on February 12 against ‘anti-worker, anti-farmer policies’

For Transport

Commuters should brace themselves for potential road blockades, known as “chakka jam,” in various regions. In areas heavily impacted by protests, state-operated buses and auto-rickshaws may cease operations. Although train services and flights are scheduled to run, accessing railway stations and airports could be difficult due to local transportation disruptions.

For Markets

Wholesale markets and retail stores in States with significant union activity are likely to shut down.

For Banks

Employee and officer organisations, including the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), the All India Bank Officers’ Association (AIBOA), and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), have come together to protest. As a result, public banking services may be affected.

(with PTI inputs)