Bharat Bandh 2024: Will Schools, College Remain Closed on Today? Find Out What’s Open and Closed

Bharat Bandh 2024: ‘Bharat Bandh’ has been declared today, i.e., 21st August 2024, by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. In protest of the supreme court’s decision on reservations for SC/ST people, the Samiti has called for a statewide closure. The public outrage has given authorities instructions to keep the peace.

The Supreme Court ruled, 6 to 1, that the states might establish sub classifications within Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC). In order to guarantee that individuals in these groups who are most in need receive precedence, the apex also allowed states to establish a “creamy layer” inside these categories. However, the center later rejected this request.

However, a number of social and political organizations have opposed this directive and it has generated a great deal of debate.

Reason for Bharat Bandh Today (August 21)?

Sub-categories within the SC/ST caste are now allowed by the Supreme Court to exist. The rationale for this is that reservations should be made with priority for people who are in immediate or dire need. A Bharat Bandh is scheduled for tomorrow as a result of the outrage around this SC ruling.

Will the Bharat Bandh of 2024 Cause Schools and Colleges to Stay Closed Today?

Not at all! According to the most recent information, colleges and schools will be open today. Students can report as normal to their individual educational institutions. Along with this, emergency services like medical, drinking water, rail, and electricity will probably not be interrupted, and establishments like banks, government offices, and gas stations will stay open.

Security Protocols for the Bharat Bandh

To discuss preparations, senior police officers held a video conference in light of the possibility of violence during today’s Bharat Bandh. According to reports, senior police personnel, district magistrates, and all divisional commissioners attended the conference. Ambulance services and other emergency services will run as usual, but private offices and public transportation might not.

Why Does the Bharat Bandh Exist?

In opposition to the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organizations (NACDAOR) has led the Bharat Bandh today. The NACDAOR contends that the decision runs counter to the famous Indira Sawhney case, which created the legal basis for reservations in India. In order to guarantee social justice and equitable representation of SC/ST populations in employment and education, the organization has outlined a set of demands.

NACDAOR is demanding that the government implement a new core law that is shielded from judicial review by the Constitution’s Ninth Schedule in place of the Supreme Court’s ruling. The group has also asked that all backlog positions in federal and state government departments be filled, as well as the disclosure of caste-based data on SC, ST, and OBC personnel in government services.

Political and Public Support for Bharat Bandh

Today, the Bharat Bandh is receiving support from political parties such as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RID), Congress, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Supporters of the idea of a national strike include left-leaning parties. Unrest is anticipated in the states that these parties oversee, notwithstanding the lack of a formal statement about the suspension of public services. Still, vital services like ambulances, hospitals, and clinics will keep running.

Government offices, universities, and schools are anticipated to be open in the majority of places notwithstanding the Bharat Bandh. Encouraging all OBC and SC/ST communities to participate peacefully and in big numbers, NACDAOR has issued an appeal.

Even though the Bharat Bandh has received a lot of attention today, it is unlikely that many offices, colleges, or schools would close as a result of it. Essential services will continue to run, however there may be some interruption to public services in states that support the bandh. If you have any travel or public activities to attend today, stay informed and exercise caution.