Bharat Bandh in Karnataka on February 12: Schools, banks, government offices closed in the state?

Karnataka is likely to see disruptions today as trade unions observe a nationwide Bharat Bandh, demanding a rollback of the Centre’s four new labour codes.

Read more: What's open, what's closed in the February 12 Kerala strike?

With strong support from farmer groups and Left parties, the strike may affect banking services, public transport and several daily activities across the state.


Read more: Bharat Bandh on February 12

From Bengaluru to Mysuru and Hubballi to Mangaluru, residents could face delays, closures and protest marches through the day. Authorities have advised people to plan ahead and avoid non-essential travel.

Why has the Bharat Bandh been called?

The nationwide strike has been organised to protest the four labour codes introduced by the central government. These codes replaced 29 existing labour laws and were aimed at simplifying compliance for employers.

Read more: Bharat Bandh in Odisha on February 12

However, trade unions argue that the changes favour companies over workers.

According to union leaders, the new laws:

• weaken workers’ rights
• reduce legal protections
• make hiring and firing easier
• exclude many informal workers from legal coverage

They claim these reforms could harm job security, wages and social benefits. Union representatives say labour protections were earned through decades of struggle and should not be diluted.

Who is supporting the strike in Karnataka?

The bandh has received support from several major trade unions and political groups.

Key organisations backing the strike include:

• CITU
• AITUC
• INTUC
• HMS
• AICCTU
• LPF
• UTUC

Farmer groups such as the United Kisan Morcha (SKM)

Left parties and labour groups are planning rallies, demonstrations and road blockades across many districts in Karnataka.

What is likely to remain closed?

Several public and routine services may be affected during the bandh. While not everything will shut down completely, disruptions are expected.

Services that may remain closed or face interruptions include:

• Schools, colleges and educational institutions
• Banks and post offices
• Government offices and public sector units
• KSRTC buses and some local transport services
• Shops and local markets in many areas
• Fuel pumps in select regions
• Industrial units and factories

Traffic movement may also slow down due to protests and road blockades, especially in Bengaluru and other major cities.

What will remain open?

Essential services are expected to function normally to avoid inconvenience to the public.

These include:

• Hospitals, ambulances and pharmacies
• Water and electricity supply
• Fire and emergency services
• Airports and flights
• Train services (though delays are possible)
• Private offices (some may operate with reduced staff)
• Online deliveries and e-commerce services

Authorities have assured that emergency services will not be disrupted.

What should residents expect?

While the bandh may not bring Karnataka to a complete standstill, partial disruptions are likely throughout the day. Public transport and banking services are expected to be hit the most.

If you have travel or banking work planned, it is best to complete it early or check schedules in advance. Keeping extra time in hand and avoiding non-essential travel could help you avoid inconvenience.

For many, Thursday may feel slower than usual as trade unions push for their demands. Whether the strike leads to policy changes remains to be seen, but for now, Karnataka is preparing for a day of protests and pauses.


Inputs from agencies