Bharat Bandh today: Why is nationwide strike being held? Who are protesting? Here is everything you need to know

Protesting against Supreme Court's recent judgement on SC/ST reservation, Dalit and Adivasi organisations have called for a 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday over their demand for stronger representation and protection for marginalised communities.

In a 6:1 ruling, the top court said that the states can create sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The apex also permitted states to create creamy layer within these categories ensuring that those who are most in need within these groups receive priority which was later turned down by the Centre.

However, this order has sparked widespread controversy and opposition from several social and political organisations.


Read More: Bharat Bandh 2024: Will schools, colleges, offices, markets open on August 21? Here is all you should know before stepping out of home

Who called for a bandh?

Dalit and Adivasi organisations have called for a 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday over their demand for stronger representation and protection for marginalised communities. The National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) has released a list of demands, including justice and equity for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Catch live updates on Bharat Bandh here

What are key demands of protesters?

• Government should reject SC's judgment, arguing it threatens the constitutional rights of SCs and STs.
• Enactment of a new Act of Parliament on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs, which would be protected by inclusion in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Immediate release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services to ensure their accurate representation.
• Establishment of an Indian Judicial Service to recruit judicial officers and judges from all sections of society, with a target of 50 per cent representation from SC, ST, and OBC categories in the higher judiciary.
• Fill vacancies in central and state government departments, as well as public sector undertakings.
• The body said the private sector companies benefiting from government incentives or investments must enact affirmative action policies in their firms.

What might be affected?

The organising group has requested that all business establishments remains close on Wednesady. However, Market committees have not yet confirmed widespread closures.

Public transport, including metro services, may experience disruptions. Educational institutions such as schools and colleges are expected to remain open despite the bandh. However, all the educational institutions will remain closed in seven districts of Rajasthan on August 21 in the wake of the Bharat Bandh call given by the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti.

Further, eEmergency services, including medical services, ambulances, drinking water supply, public transport, rail services, and electricity services, will remain operational.

(with agency inputs)