Bharat Bandh on January 8th, 2020: All central trade unions except RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) announced a nationwide strike on Wednesday. A number of scheduled entrance examinations for tomorrow will get affected possibly, as well as ICAR NET 2020, JEE Main 2020, and UPTET 2019.
Students who are appearing for JEE Main Exam 2020 and UPTET 2019 Exam are advised to continue with their preparation because there is no official confirmation regarding postponement of exams by the boards.
But, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) said the NET 2020 Exam, which was planned for 8th January 2020, will be held on January 11th, 2020, because of Bharat Bandh 2020. There is a change in only the exam date but no modifications made on all other aspects like the venue of the exam, exam slot, and exam duration, said by the council.
You can also check the official notification released by ICAR about the NET Exam 2020 from the below link.
NET 2020 Exam Postponed Official Notice – Direct Link
Bharat Bandh 2020 is anticipated to affect a few states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, and West Bengal.
This is the fourth nationwide strike announced by ten central trade unions after the Narendra Modi controlled National Democratic Alliance Government obtained in 2014. Also, check the list of 10 central trade unions who are participating in Bharat Bandh Tomorrow.
Central Trade Unions took part in Bharat Bandh:
- All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
- All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)
- All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
- United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)
- Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
- Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
- Labour Progressive Federation (LPF)
- Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
- United Trade Union Congress (UTUC)
- Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
- Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC)
- Sectoral independent federations and associations also participating in Tomorrow’s Bharat Bandh.
What will be affected by Bharat Bandh: Banking services like deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and instrument issuance are expected to be impacted due to Bharat Bandh. However, services at private sector banks are unlikely to be impacted. Other than banking, transport and other key services are also likely to be disrupted in many states due to this nationwide strike call.
The State Bank of India (SBI) said the membership of its bank employees in the unions participating in the January 8 strike is “very few, so the impact of strike on Banks operation will be minimal”.
What is government’s reaction on January 8 Bharat Bandh:
The government has warned central trade unions of “consequences” if they go on a proposed 24-hour nationwide strike.
“Any employee going on strike in any form would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action,” an order issued by the Ministry of Personnel said.
In its order, the Ministry said government servants were prohibited from participating in strikes or protests. All the senior officials have also been instructed not to sanction any leave to the government officials and employees.