What is today’s Bharat Bandh for and will it get extended to August 22?

The Bharat Bandh was called by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti — a collective organisation that advocates for the protection and preservation of reservation policies in India — on August 21 to protest a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding reservations for these classes. The ruling allows states to create sub-categories within marginalised groups, which has led to concerns about the potential dilution of benefits intended for the broader SC/ST communities.

What is the Supreme Court's ruling that led to this protest?

The Supreme Court ruled that states could create sub-categories within the SC/ST reservations, stating that "those who really need it should get priority in reservation." The Supreme Court ruled by a majority judgement of 6:1, that sub-classification within the SCs and STs reservation is permissible.

This decision has sparked widespread debate and opposition, as many fear it could undermine the integrity of the reservation system as a whole. The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations has also demanded the immediate release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services to ensure their accurate representation.

The group is also pushing for the establishment of an Indian Judicial Service to recruit judicial officers and judges from all sections of society, and called for filling up of all backlog vacancies in central and state government departments, as well as public sector undertakings.

What services will remain open during the Bharat Bandh?

Despite the expected disruptions to public transport and private offices, essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, ambulances, drinking water, public transport, rail services, and electricity will remain operational during the Bharat Bandh. Government offices, banks, schools, colleges, and petrol pumps are also expected to function normally, although some regions, particularly Rajasthan, may experience closures in educational institutions.

What is the expected duration of the Bharat Bandh?

The Bharat Bandh is expected to last throughout the day, though the exact duration and any potential extensions may vary depending on local circumstances and decisions made in response to the agitation. However, there are no reports indicating that the Bharat Bandh, planned for today, will extend into tomorrow so far.

Which areas are particularly affected by the bandh?

In addition to Delhi, areas like Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh are expected to be significantly affected, with heightened security measures in place due to their sensitivity and the potential for unrest.

While government offices and businesses seem to be working normally, rail services have been affected in Odisha. As per PTI, schools have remained closed in Ranchi, while several long-route public buses were seen parked at bus stands, inconveniencing commuters.

In Rajasthan, schools and coaching centres in Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Deeg, and Bharatpur will remain closed. Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, schools have declared holidays on August 20 and 21 due to heavy rains. Parents and students should stay in touch with their respective schools for any updates, as some may opt for online classes.

Will the bandh be extended?

While the Bharat Bandh on August 21 does not seem to have made a major impact so far, speculations around extending the similar strikes have been floating around on social media. However, none of the major organizations have called for extending the Bandh to August 22 yet, though the protests will likely to continue in some parts of the country.

In Mumbai, the Rail passengers’ associations has also planned protests on August 22 over better timely and efficient services of suburban local trains. However, as per media reports, the protests are likely to be toned down with passengers being encouraged to wear a black band as a sign. Hoever, no major disruptions in railway services have been expected.

After Tuesday’s 10-hour ‘rail roko’ protest against the sexual assault on minors at Badlapur Railway Station, that turned voilent and disrupted railway services in the region, the suburban railway services have been restored back to normal on Wednesday.