Bharat Bandh was observed in multiple states of India. However, Bharat Bandh mildly impacted Jalandhar as shops were seen open and functioning. Even schools remained open in Jalandhar. However, bank and bus unions took to the streets on Wednesday, raising their voices over long-pending demands and grievances.
Bank employees staged protests demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and immediate recruitment in public sector banks. According to the bank union, there has been no new recruitment in several years, which has stalled promotions for existing staff. Moreover, employees recruited after 2010 are not covered under OPS and are instead placed under the National Pension System (NPS).
Protesters also accused the Modi Government of trying to privatize public sector banks and selling off their shares for the benefit of big businesses. The union said that rising Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) are being used as a tool to waive off large corporate loans, putting undue pressure on employees. They warned that if their demands are not met soon, protests will intensify in the coming days.
Bus services also come to a halt in Punjab
Bus services across Punjab came to a halt starting the morning of July 9, as contract workers of Punjab Roadways and PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) began a three-day strike. The strike, scheduled from July 9 to July 11, was announced by the Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS/PRTC Contract Workers’ Union in protest of long-standing unmet demands.
Union President Vikrajit Singh said that although meetings have been held in the past, including one with the Chief Minister, promises to end the contractual system remain unfulfilled. The protest is expected to continue till July 11.