Bharat Bandh on July 9: Schools, colleges to remain open; public services may face disruptions.(Representative image/File)

A major nationwide strike, or Bharat Bandh, has been called for Wednesday, July 9, by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, in collaboration with farmers’ and rural workers’ organisations. With over 25 crore workers from critical sectors such as banking, transport, postal services, mining, and construction set to participate, the strike is expected to cause widespread disruption in public services.

With the strike gaining momentum, many students and parents are wondering whether schools and colleges will remain open.

Despite the massive scale of the Bharat Bandh, schools, colleges, and private offices are expected to function normally on July 9. Authorities have not announced any closures or exam rescheduling, and no major educational institution has issued a closure notice as of now.

While public transport disruptions may cause delays in commuting, educational institutions are not part of the strike, and normal academic activities are likely to continue.

The strike has been called to protest against what organisers describe as “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies of the central government. Trade unions allege that recent economic and labour reforms have eroded worker rights, weakened job protections, and ignored the demands of the working class.