What’s behind the Bharat Bandh today? What is open, what is closed?

Will the country see a total shutdown today (August 21)? The question emerges after Dalit and Adivasi organisations have called for a “peaceful” strike on Wednesday over their demand for stronger representation and protection for marginalised communities.

The strike has been called by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and a few political parties such as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal have extended their support for it. Left parties have also backed the call for a strike.

But what’s the Bharat Bandh all about? What will remain open and what will remain shut?

Why Bharat Bandh

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh today in response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST) reservations.

On August 1, the apex court had allowed states to create sub-categories within the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, saying, “Those who really need it should get priority in the reservation.” The Supreme Court had ruled by majority that sub-classification within the SCs and STs is permissible. The court held that states are empowered to make this classification for granting quota in jobs and admissions.

This court’s decision is a reversal of the apex court’s decision from 2004 in the E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh, in which it had held that the SC/ST list is a “homogenous group” that cannot be divided further.

However, this court decision has been met with opposition with some arguing that it undermines the principle of reservation itself. And in an attempt to reverse this ruling, the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for the Bandh.

One of the groups calling for the Bharat Bandh, the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACADOR), has released a list of demands, including justice and equity SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

It has also called for the immediate release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services to ensure their accurate representation.

Security measures in place

Anticipating unrest, senior civil and police officials held a meeting to assess the preparation for the bandh. As per a Moneycontrol report, all divisional commissioners, district magistrates and senior police officers attended the meeting through video conferencing and were directed to be prepared for the bandh.

Police forces have been put on high alert across the country, especially in areas deemed sensitive such as western Uttar Pradesh. “We have asked our officials to organise meetings with groups calling for the bandh, as well as with market associations, to facilitate better cooperation,” DGP UR Sahoo was quoted as saying.

According to a Zee News report, three states – Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh – will be impacted the most.

What remains open, what remains shut

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called on all business establishments to shut down in solidarity with the protest. They have called on people to participate in large numbers in a peaceful manner. However, it remains unclear if markets will comply with the call for a Bharat Bandh.

Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and medical facilities, will remain functional. Pharmacies will also remain open. Other emergency services such as drinking water, public transport, rail services, and electricity services will also remain open.

Government offices, institutions will also function normally as will banks across the country. Schools and colleges will also remain functioning. However, in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Deeg, Bharatpur schools and coaching classes will be shut today in support of the Bharat Bandh. A Times of India report citing sources said that nearly 10-12 teachers of government schools in Todabheem of Gangapur City have given a group/combined application seeking an off on August 21.

Authorities, have however, asked that parents contact the schools as some may choose to switch to online teaching to avoid any untoward issues.