Bharat Bandh on August 21; are banks, post offices open today?

In response to the recent verdict on SC/ST reservations by the Supreme Court, the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024, today. There will likely be a large turnout for the bandh, which has the backing of Rajasthan's SC/ST groups. During the protest, law enforcement officials have been directed to take appropriate action to preserve order.

Are banks closed today due to Bharat Bandh?

Bank branches will be open on August 21, 2024 across the country.

Bharat Bandh on August 21: What's closed, what's open today?

As per a report from the Times of India, the organizers of the protest have called for the closure of all business establishments. While the market committees have not officially confirmed the shutdown, there is uncertainty regarding whether the markets will indeed close and the potential impact of the protest on the entire nation.
As per the report by ToI, although there has been a call for a Bharat Bandh, it is noted that government buildings, post offices, banks, schools, colleges, and gas stations are expected to operate as usual. Additionally, essential services such as medical facilities, drinking water supply, train services, public transportation, and power supply will also continue to function without disruption.

Bank holidays in August
Banks are closed on the occasion of Ker Puja, Tendong Lho Rum Faat, Patriot’s Day, Independence Day/Parsi New Year (Shahenshahi), Raksha Bandhan/Jhulana Purnima/Birthday of Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi, Janmashtami (Shravan Vad-8)/Krishna Jayanthi, depending on the state.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) classifies holidays into three categories: the Negotiable Instruments Act, the Negotiable Instruments Act and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) Holiday, and the Banks' Closing of Accounts.

When are banks closed next
Apart from weekend, banks are closed on Monday August 26 on the occasion of Janmashtami (Shravan Vad-8)/Krishna Jayanthi in Gujarat, Odisha, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh state, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh and Srinagar.

Long weekend in these states
Banks are closed on Monday August 26 on the occasion of Janmashtami (Shravan Vad-8)/Krishna Jayanthi which is after fourth Saturday and Sunday.

Banks are closed in Gujarat, Orissa, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh state, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh and Srinagar.