Bharat Bandh on February 12: Check What’s Open, What’s Closed as 30 Crore Workers Join Strike from Midnight

India will witness a 24-hour nationwide strike starting midnight on February 12 as major central trade unions push ahead with a Bharat Bandh call. The protest, backed by farmer groups and several worker organisations, may disrupt banking services, public transport, government offices and industrial activity in multiple states.

Trade union leaders say more than 30 crore workers could participate in the strike. A joint platform of ten central trade unions has confirmed that the protest will proceed as planned. Authorities in several states have issued advisories and prepared contingency plans to manage disruptions.

Bharat Bandh Tomorrow on 12 February?

Yes. A 24-hour Bharat Bandh will begin at midnight on February 12 and continue through the day. Trade unions have asked workers in both organised and unorganised sectors to stay away from duty in protest against the Centre’s labour and economic policies.

Union leaders say they want stronger worker protections and better social security measures. They argue that the four new labour codes could weaken job security and reduce safeguards that workers currently enjoy. They have also indicated that further protests may follow if their demands are not addressed.

What Will Be Closed During Bharat Bandh on February 12?

The impact of the bandh may vary from state to state, but several services could face disruption:

• Public sector banks may operate with limited staff or remain closed in some areas.
• Government offices and public sector undertakings may see low attendance.
• Public transportation services, including buses and taxis, may operate at reduced frequencies or cease operations in certain regions.
• Factories and industrial units may suspend work for the day.
• Schools and colleges could remain closed in areas where staff and unions actively support the strike.
• Markets and local shops may shut in cities where participation is strong.

Commuters in major states such as Kerala, Odisha and parts of Karnataka may experience visible disruptions, especially if protestors block roads or stage demonstrations.

What Will Remain Open During the Nationwide Strike?

Despite the strike call, essential services have been kept outside the bandh to avoid public hardship. The following services are expected to remain open:

• Hospitals and emergency medical services
• Ambulance services
• Medical stores and pharmacies
• Fire and rescue services
• Milk supply
• Newspaper distribution
• Airports and flight operations
• ATMs

Authorities have assured the public that emergency services will function normally. However, reaching hospitals, airports or offices may become difficult in areas where transport services are affected.

February 12 Strike in Kerala: What’s Open, What’s Closed?

Kerala often witnesses strong participation in general strikes, and this bandh may significantly affect daily life in the state.

Likely to be closed or disrupted in Kerala:

• Schools and colleges
• Public transport including KSRTC buses
• Auto-rickshaw and taxi services
• Government offices and public sector units
• Banks and insurance offices
• Shops, markets and industrial units

Trade union representatives have described the strike as “unprecedented” in scale in Kerala. Political support from Left parties may further intensify the impact.

Services likely to remain open in Kerala:

• Hospitals and ambulance services
• Pharmacies
• Milk and newspaper distribution
• Vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims
• Airport operations and ATMs

Residents have been advised to avoid non-essential travel.

Odisha Bandh on February 12: What to Expect?

Normal life across Odisha may also face disruption during the Bharat Bandh. Several trade unions have called for widespread participation in the state. Commuters in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack may face traffic disruptions if protestors block roads or national highways. Train services could also face delays if demonstrators organise rail roko protests.

Educational institutions, markets and business establishments may remain closed depending on the scale of participation. However, emergency services such as ambulance operations will continue.

Why Has the Bharat Bandh Been Called?

The nationwide strike primarily targets the Centre’s implementation of four new labour codes. Trade unions argue that the codes favour employers and corporate interests while reducing worker protections. They claim that the changes make it easier for companies to hire and dismiss employees, thereby weakening collective bargaining rights.

Farmer organisations have also extended support to the protest. Some groups have raised concerns about broader economic policies and trade agreements, saying they could affect small farmers and workers.

Union leaders describe the February 12 strike as one of the largest coordinated labour protests in recent years. They say crores of workers from multiple sectors will participate.

What Precautions Should People Take?

Residents should check local advisories before travelling. People who have urgent banking, government or business work should try to complete it in advance. Commuters should allow extra time for travel and prepare for possible delays.

Authorities have placed police and local administration teams on alert to maintain law and order. The overall impact of the Bharat Bandh will depend on how widely workers participate in each state.

The strike begins at midnight, and its effect on daily life across India will become clearer as February 12 unfolds.