Bharat Bandh Today: Bank Services Disrupted, Transport Hit in Kerala; TN Imposes ‘No Work, No Pay’

India is witnessing a nationwide shutdown on Wednesday, February 12, as a coalition of central trade unions and farmers' organisations has called for a 'Bharat Bandh' to protest against several policies of the Union government. The strike, which has drawn support from industrial workers and farmer groups across the country, is aimed at highlighting concerns over labour reforms, agricultural issues, and proposed economic measures.

The impact of the bandh is being felt strongly in states such as Kerala and Odisha, where trade unions traditionally command significant support. In Kerala, public life has been disrupted in several districts. State-run KSRTC services, along with private buses, autorickshaws and taxi operators, have joined the strike, leading to major transport disruptions.

Many shops and commercial establishments have remained closed in response to the call. Left-affiliated government employee unions have also extended their support, affecting the functioning of government offices. Several colleges in the state have suspended classes for the day.

However, the strike organisers have clarified that essential services are exempt. Hospitals, emergency medical services, electricity and water supply operations are expected to function without interruption. Pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala and Maramon have also been excluded from the ambit of the bandh to avoid inconvenience during religious travel.

Despite ideological support for the protest from certain quarters, state governments have taken a firm administrative stance. In Kerala, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has invoked the "no work, no pay" principle for government employees who participate in the strike. In a late-night order, the state warned that unauthorised absence would result in salary deductions. Leave applications will be scrutinised strictly, with approval granted only under limited conditions such as personal illness, illness of close family members (spouse, children, or parents), examinations, or maternity-related reasons.

Tamil Nadu has adopted a similar approach. The state government has directed all employees to report to duty, warning that those who abstain without valid reasons will face a day's salary cut under the "no work, no pay" rule. District collectors and department heads have been instructed to monitor attendance and ensure that essential services remain unaffected. Casual leave requests, except those backed by valid medical certificates from government doctors, will not be entertained. The administration has reiterated that disciplinary provisions under the Tamil Nadu Government Servants Conduct Rules may be invoked in cases of deliberate absenteeism.

Interestingly, while the ruling DMK's Secular Progressive Alliance has expressed political solidarity with the strike-particularly in opposing the four new labour codes-the state government has simultaneously enforced strict attendance rules. This dual position reflects the balancing act between political alignment with trade unions and the need to maintain uninterrupted public services.

Congress-backed associations of government employees and teachers in Tamil Nadu have opted not to participate in the bandh. The state has declared the day as "dies non" for unauthorised absentees, meaning the day will not count for service benefits and salary.

The primary reason behind the Bharat Bandh is opposition to the Centre's four labour codes, which unions argue weaken worker protections, reduce job security, and tilt the balance in favour of employers. Farmers' organisations have also raised objections to proposed measures such as the Draft Seed Bill and the Electricity Amendment Bill. Additionally, apprehensions over a potential India-US trade agreement have fuelled concerns that cheaper imports could hurt domestic agriculture and farmers' incomes.

The strike has been organised by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, and CITU, with support from major farmers' bodies such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). The participation of both industrial and agricultural groups underscores the scale of the protest.

Banking services, particularly in public sector banks, are likely to face disruptions as employee unions have joined the strike. While digital transactions and ATMs should remain operational, branch services, cheque clearances, and over-the-counter transactions may be affected. Transport services may vary by region, depending on union participation.

Airports and airlines are functioning normally, though commuters are advised to plan for possible road delays. Schools and colleges have not been uniformly closed nationwide, but localised disruptions are possible in states where transport services are heavily impacted. App-based cab services are expected to operate, potentially witnessing higher demand in areas where public transport is suspended.