Due to the ongoing farmer’s protest near Delhi, there has been a nationwide strike called by the protesters today. This Bharat Bandh will be a day-long protest that started at 6 AM on February 16 and will go on till 4 PM today. Since we understand there might be some confusion around what’s open and what’s shut during this strike, we made a list of services that will be affected and the ones that will continue without interruptions.
What’s Closed – Farming, Shops In Some Towns & More
To begin with, farmers around the country are on strike today. There will be no farming or agricultural activity today. They have also asked traders and transporters of agricultural goods to participate in the strike. Shops and establishments in villages across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are shut down. Furthermore, grain markets, vegetable markets, governmental and non-governmental offices, rural industrial and service sector establishments, as well as private sector enterprises have been encouraged to shut down today.
Public transportation will also be impacted in some areas due to this protest. Punjab State Board has also been requested to defer the board exam of grade 10 students today. This is mainly due to the fact that the strike can cause hindrance for the students and teachers. As per reports, the protesters are also expected to participate in a ‘chakka jam’ on major roads across the country from 12 PM to 4 PM. So, please check the advisories issued by the local authorities before heading out.
Also Read: Section 144 Imposed At Delhi-UP Borders; Here’s Everything You Need To Know
What’s Open – Emergency Services & Essentials Remain Operational
Coming to what services will remain open today? All emergency and essential services like hospitals, ambulance operations, medical shops, marriage, schools, and colleges will remain operational. However, parents of the school and college students have been requested to keep their kids at home by the authorities. The protesters have also ensured they won’t hinder the movement of passengers going towards airports or students going out for their board exams.
Restrictions under CrPC Section 144 have been imposed around Noida keeping today’s Bharat Bandh in mind. People travelling to and fro from Delhi have also been requested to use metro rail services. The Confederation of All India Traders has decided not to participate in this strike, so all major markets in the country will conduct business as usual.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia (representative image)
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