On Wednesday, August 21, the Reservation Protection Struggle Committee has called for a pan-India strike, or Bharat Bandh. his agitation is brewing due to some recent apex court decision on sub-categorization within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and wide sentiments of worry are being shared across communities.
Why is India Shutting Down on August 21?
The Bharat Bandh on August 21 is not just another day of protests. The strike has been called to oppose the August 1 Supreme Court ruling, which permits states to create sub-categories within SC/ST communities, prioritizing those who are deemed to require reservations the most.
Several organizations and political outfits, including BSP, SC/ST groups of Rajasthan, have come together with the Reservation Protection Struggle Committee to press for the withdrawal of this controversial decision.
Police in all states are on High Alert
With the Bharat Bandh looming over citizens’ heads, police across the country have been put on high alert. As per several media reports, the law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure peaceful conditions, with no scope for disruption.
Video conferences by top police officials have already been done to gauge the level of preparation, with extra care being given to the sensitive areas of Western Uttar Pradesh.
What Will Remain Open on August 21?
While the Bharat Bandh is going to be successful, not everything is going to come to a halt.
Ambulance, hospitals, and medical facilities are going to function in the normal course.
Law enforcement services will continue to be operational so that safety of public is ensured.
Pharmacies all over the country would remain open so that people get access to their required medicinal drugs.
Although government offices, banks, schools, and colleges are likely to function normally, public transportation may be hampered; many private offices may be seized of this issue, and local markets across some places may remain closed in response to the appeal of the strike.
Uncertain Times Ahead
As of now, the full list of what shud be closed during the Bharat Bandh has yet to be confirmed but most people expect this strike to cause some major disturbances as far as public transport and activities in the private sectors are concerned.
Further updates will come in the next few days until the 21st of August.
Calamities will undoubtedly change routine activities.
