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Protesting farmer unions, under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have joined hands with central trade unions to organize a nationwide strike on February 16, known as Gramin Bharat Bandh. The strike, scheduled from 6 AM to 4 PM, will witness farmers participating in massive chakka jams on major roads across the country from 12 PM to 4 PM.
Notably, a substantial portion of both state and national highways in Punjab will be closed for four hours during the protest.
Harinder Singh Lakhowal, the General Secretary of BKU Lakhowal, disclosed the Gramin Bharat Bandh strategy during a meeting in Ludhiana.
The day-long strike on February 16 will commence from 6 AM to 4 PM, with farmers engaging in chakka jams on major roads from 12 PM to 4 PM.
VIDEO | Here’s what BJP leader @DilipGhoshBJP said when asked about Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait’s announcement of ‘Bharat Bandh’ on February 16.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 15, 2024
“PM Modi is continuously working towards helping the farmers and improving their situations. Fertilizer prices have… pic.twitter.com/ODTFuY26zh
Protesting farmers from Punjab, along with counterparts from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, initiated the 'Chalo Delhi' march on February 13, subsequent to an inconclusive meeting with the Union government. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, among other protesters, have endorsed the strike to emphasize their demands, notably the enactment of a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
SKM National Coordination Committee (NCC) member Dr Darshan Pal affirmed that the bandh call was premeditated in December. On the day of the strike, villages will remain closed for all agricultural activities, as well as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and rural works.
Emergency services such as ambulances, medical shops, and newspaper supply will operate smoothly. Exceptions will be made for students heading to board exams and passengers en route to the airport. However, trading and procurement of vegetables and other crops will be temporarily halted.
Disruptions in transportation services, affecting both public and private sectors, are anticipated during the Bharat Bandh.
Farming operations in rural India may experience disruptions as farmers actively participate in the strike. Activities under MNREGA are expected to come to a standstill during the strike.
Private and government offices, as well as village shops, are expected to remain closed on February 16.
Rural industrial and service sector establishments are also likely to be affected by the strike.
Essential services such as ambulance operations, newspaper distribution, medical shops, and weddings will be exempted from the strike.
The Bharat Bandh on February 16 is poised to have significant ramifications across various sectors, with farmers and trade unions united in their call for action. While essential services will continue uninterrupted, disruptions are expected in transportation and farming activities.
How long will the Bharat Bandh last on February 16?
The strike is scheduled to commence from 6 AM to 4 PM, with farmers engaging in chakka jams from 12 PM to 4 PM.
Which services will remain operational during the Bharat Bandh?
Emergency services, newspaper distribution, medical shops, and services essential for weddings will continue unaffected.
What sectors are likely to be impacted by the Bharat Bandh?
Transportation services, farming operations, and activities under MNREGA are expected to be affected.
Will offices and banks be closed during the Bharat Bandh?
Yes, both private and government offices, as well as banks, are expected to remain closed on February 16.
Which services are exempted from the Bharat Bandh?
Ambulance operations, newspaper distribution, medical shops, and board exams for students will be exempted from the strike.
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