With the ongoing Farmers’ Protest entering its third day, central trade unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have called for a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ on February 16. As this strike coincides with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducting annual board examinations for classes 10th and 12th, students are left uncertain about potential disruptions to their school schedules.
Joint Strike Announced
Organized as a joint strike by workers and farmers, the Bharat Bandh is termed as the “sectoral industrial strike” and “Grameen Bharat Bandh.” Scheduled from 6 AM to 4 PM, the strike aims to mobilize support from various farmer organizations across the country.
Farmers are expected to stage large road blockades from 12 PM to 4 PM nationwide, as reported by the Indian Express. In Punjab, several state and national highways will observe closures for four hours on Friday.
CBSE Issues Advisory
Amid concerns over potential traffic disruptions, CBSE has advised students appearing for exams to utilize metro services and refrain from using roadways to reach their examination centers. However, despite the strike, the state government has not announced any changes to the school schedules, as CBSE, ICSE, and BSEB examinations are already underway.
Media reports suggest that various private and government offices, village shops, transportation services, agricultural activities, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) projects could experience closures during the Bharat Bandh. However, essential services such as ambulance operations, medical shops, and schools will continue uninterrupted, ensuring public safety and well-being.
While the Bharat Bandh may lead to disruptions in certain sectors, essential services remain operational to safeguard public interests throughout the duration of the strike. With the looming Bharat Bandh on the horizon, concerns arise regarding its potential impact on education and daily commute. Let’s explore how this nationwide strike could affect various aspects of daily life.
