Farmers' Protest: Will banks, offices, schools remain closed on Bharat bandh? Know details

As the protest continues, farmers have called for a nationwide Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16, 2024, which has garnered support from various farmer associations. Ahead of the Bharat Bandh today, numerous institutions from schools and shopping malls to trains, banks, and government offices will be affected.

Bharat Bandh timing

Farmer associations and unions such as Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have declared a Bharat Bandh. This nationwide protest will be in effect from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what will be open and closed.

What's open

Emergency services such as hospitals, medical shops, and ambulance services will continue to operate as usual. Schools and colleges wil also remain open, but students and parents are advised to stay in touch with school authorities for any updates. Banks are also expected to remain open today as there has been no official notification of closure. 

What's closed

Bharat Bandh may disrupt public transportation and close offices, shops and MNREGA activities. Punjab Highways are slated for a four-hour closure. Essential services such as vegetable and grain supply could be affected. 

What are farmers' demands? 

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has written to PM Modi demanding a Minimum Support Price for crops based on the Swaminathan formula of C2 50 (input cost of capital 50%), legal guarantee of procurement, debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff and no smart metres. 

They also demanded free 300 units of power for farming for domestic use and shops, comprehensive crop insurance, and a hike in pensions to ₹10,000 per month among others.