Bharat Bandh today: Are schools, colleges, banks, and offices closed on August 21? Here's all you need to know

A nationwide strike, or "Bharat Bandh," is taking place today, August 21. The strike has been called by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti in response to a recent Supreme Court decision regarding SC/ST reservations. This protest is primarily supported by SC/ST groups, especially from Rajasthan. The purpose of the bandh is to express dissent against the Supreme Court¡¯s ruling on sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Police in several states, particularly in Western Uttar Pradesh, are on high alert to keep peace and order. Emergency services will continue to operate during the strike.

Will Schools and Colleges Be Closed Today?

According to media reports, there is no official directive for the closure of schools, colleges, or government offices due to the Bharat Bandh today. Most government institutions, including banks, schools, and petrol stations, are expected to remain open. Despite the Bharat Bandh on August 21, schools, colleges, and offices will operate as usual in most areas, barring any unforeseen disruptions.

Background of the Bharat Bandh on August 21

Credit: BCCL

The Bharat Bandh today is in response to a Supreme Court ruling on August 1. A seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, allowed states to create sub-categories within the SC and ST groups to ensure quotas for the most backward castes within these groups. This decision has sparked protests, with the Opposition and various groups fearing it could undermine reservation rights.

Adding to the tension, on August 20, Minister Jitendra Singh requested the withdrawal of job advertisements for 45 key government positions. This move was criticized by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who called it an attack on the reservation rights of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and SC/ST communities.

Security Measures During Bharat Bandh

In light of potential violence during the Bharat Bandh today, top police officials conducted a video conference to discuss preparations. Reports indicate that all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officers participated in the meeting. While public transport and private offices may face disruptions, emergency services like ambulances will continue to operate.

Why Is Bharat Bandh Called? All You Need to Know

The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) has spearheaded the Bharat Bandh today, opposing the Supreme Court¡¯s recent verdict. NACDAOR argues that the ruling contradicts the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which established the framework for reservations in India. The organization has laid out a list of demands aimed at ensuring social justice and fair representation of SC/ST communities in education and jobs.

NACDAOR is calling for the government to reject the Supreme Court judgment and to enact a new central law, protected from judicial review under the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, the group has demanded the release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services and the filling of all backlog vacancies in both central and state government departments.

Political and Public Support for Bharat Bandh

Political parties like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have expressed their support for the Bharat Bandh today. Left parties have also backed the call for a nationwide strike. Although there is no official announcement regarding the closure of public services, disruptions are expected in states governed by these parties. However, essential services like hospitals, ambulances, and medical facilities will continue to function.

Despite the Bharat Bandh, schools, colleges, and government offices are expected to remain open in most areas. NACDAOR has encouraged peaceful participation from all OBC and SC/ST groups, urging them to come out in large numbers.

Although the Bharat Bandh today has drawn a lot of attention, it is unlikely to lead to widespread closures of schools, colleges, or offices. There might be some disruption to public services in states backing the bandh, but essential services will continue to operate. Stay updated and be cautious if you need to travel or take part in public activities today.

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