Bharat Bandh today: Check which services are open, closed, and who's behind the strike

Today's Bharat Bandh on August 21 has been organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti as a nationwide protest. They are opposing a recent Supreme Court decision about reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The ruling allows states to create smaller sub-groups within these communities, which has caused a lot of debate and disagreement.

The bandh has received strong support from SC/ST communities in Rajasthan and is expected to see widespread participation across the country. The government has directed authorities to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the protest.

The Bharat Bandh is being held to protest the court's decision and to demand that the order be reversed.

According to Times of India senior civil and police officials held a meeting to plan for the bandh and prevent any violence. All divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officers joined the meeting via video conference and were instructed to be ready for the bandh.

Western Uttar Pradesh is seen as a particularly sensitive area, so the police have been put on high alert. Officials are taking strong measures to ensure public safety during the protests.

Earlier, on August 1, the Supreme Court allowed states to create sub-categories within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), stating that those who need reservations the most should be given priority.

This decision has caused a lot of debate, and the main goal of the Bharat Bandh is to oppose the Supreme Court's ruling and demand that it be reversed.

Many social and political organisations are expected to support the Bharat Bandh. The protest aims to highlight what is seen as an unfair decision by the court. Additionally, BSP leader Mayawati has also expressed her support for the Bharat Bandh.

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has urged all businesses to close in support of the protest.
However, it remains uncertain whether markets nationwide will actually shut down, as market committees have not made any official announcements, according to a report by Times of India.

The Bharat Bandh is expected to gain support across the country, and the protest against the Supreme Court’s ruling may disrupt certain services, including public transportation.
According to news reports, government offices, schools, banks, and colleges will remain open. Ambulance services, emergency services, hospitals, and medical services will continue to operate. Pharmacies will stay open as usual. Police services will remain active.

SEE ALSO:
We will file review petition against top court's verdict on SC/ST subclassification: Chirag Paswan