Aaj Bharat Bandh Hai Kya? What is the Reason of Bharat Bandh? Know Which States are Closed

Aaj Bharat Bandh Hai Kya: The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a nationwide strike ‘Bharat Bandh’ today, August 21, 2024. The bandh has been announced in retaliation to the recent Supreme Court ruling on the SC/ ST reservations. Rajasthan is expected to be impacted by the bandh as it offers support to the protest. 

According to reports, the bandh is expected to have sizeable support considering a lot of SC/ ST groups are participating in the protest which may result in the closure of schools and other educational institutions to ensure the safety of students. The protest organisers have called for a shutdown of all business establishments for today. Although business associations have not officially confirmed a shutdown the bandh is likely to have an impact on local businesses, schools and colleges in some areas.

Bharat Bandh 2024 Today: Why has the Bharat Bandh Been Announced?

In a recent Supreme Court hearing it was decided to exclude the ‘creamy layer’ from the SC/ ST category which in turn has sparked a controversy leading to protests and the Bharat Bandh. Several Dalit and Adivasi organisations have called for a Bharat Bandh for a stronger representation and protection of the marginalised communities. 

The Supreme Court also ruled that sub-classification within the SC/ ST reservations is permissible overruling an earlier order that sub-classification was not permissible as SC/ ST form homogenous classes. The ‘Creamy Layer’ are a category of persons within the reserved categories that are economically and socially advanced.

The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations has also released a list of demands including justice and equality for SC, ST and OBC categories.

ताकत बसपा की, ताकत देश के करोड़ों अम्बेडकरवादियों की।

21 अगस्त भारत बंद। @AnandAkash_BSP pic.twitter.com/uz8uoQQNL3

— Viraj Vardhan (@VirajVardhan9) August 20, 2024

Bharat Bandh 2024: What is Open and Closed Today?

Bharat Bandh has been announced for today, August 21, 2024. As per the latest updates on the bandh, essential services including healthcare, ambulance services, and public transportation will be functional. Government offices and banks will also remain open today despite the bandh announced.

Bharat Bandh on August 21: Are Schools, and Banks Closed Today?

Although the Bandh is expected to impact public transportation and private offices, emergency services will continue to operate as usual. Government offices, banks. Schools. Colleges and petrol pumps will remain open despite the Bandh. Essential services including medical care, railway services public transportation will be maintained as per the latest reports.

Bharat Bandh Today, August 21: States Impacted by the Bandh

While schools will remain open in a majority of the states, Rajasthan is expected to be the most impacted state during the bandh with the closure of schools and coaching institutions in Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Deeg and Bharatpur. According to media reports, teachers from government schools in Todabheem, Gangapur City have submitted a collective application requesting leave for today

Also Read: Bharat Bandh Today: Will Schools, Colleges Remain Closed? Know What's Open and Closed Here