A 24-hour Bharat bandh begins at midnight on 12 February. Banks, transport and government offices may be affected, while essential services remain exempt.
Shuttered shops at a local market ahead of the 24-hour Bharat Bandh on 12 February 2026. Essential services remain exempt during the nationwide strike. | Representative image
A 24-hour Bharat Bandh will begin at midnight on February 12, 2026, after major central trade unions called for a nationwide strike across the country. The shutdown, scheduled for Thursday, is likely to affect routine life in several parts of the country.
Banking operations, public transport, government offices, and industrial activity could see disruption, particularly in states such as Kerala and Odisha, where trade union participation is usually strong.
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While trade unions claim crores of workers will participate, essential services such as hospitals and ambulance operations have been exempted.
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Also Read: Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Trade unions, farmers unite for nationwide strike on February 12
Yes. A nationwide general strike, often referred to as Bharat bandh, will begin at midnight on 12 February and continue for 24 hours. Trade unions have called upon workers across organised and unorganised sectors to abstain from duty in protest against the Centre’s labour policies, particularly the implementation of the four new labour codes.
Union leaders say the strike is aimed at pressing for stronger social security measures and protection of labour rights. They argue that the new labour codes weaken worker protections and collective bargaining rights.
Further action, unions have indicated, may follow if their demands are not addressed.
Disruptions are expected across several sectors, though the impact may vary from state to state.
Employees from public sector undertakings, government departments, banks, insurance firms, transport services, factories and other service sectors are expected to take part. Depending on how widely the call is observed, people may find government offices either partially functioning or shut for the day.
Bank branches and insurance offices may not function as usual. Some could open with fewer staff, while others may stay shut depending on participation. Buses and other public transport services might run less frequently, and in some places, they may not operate at all.
Factory work and business activity are also likely to slow down. Schools and colleges could see disruption in case a large number of staff members join the strike.
In Kerala, where general strikes often draw strong support, the impact could be more visible. Public transport and government services there are expected to feel the strain. Parts of Odisha and Karnataka may see similar disruption, but much will depend on how widely the strike call is followed in each state.
Commuters and businesses are advised to check local advisories, especially if travelling during the 12 February strike.
To avoid public hardship, several essential services have been kept outside the strike ambit.
The following services are exempt:
In Kerala, vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims and participants of the Maramon Convention have also been exempted from strike restrictions.
Authorities have said measures are in place to ensure that emergency and essential services operate smoothly during the bandh period.
The nationwide strike is being organised in protest against the Centre’s labour policies, particularly the rollout of four new labour codes. Trade unions say the new labour codes could weaken job security and reduce the protections that workers currently enjoy. They believe the changes may make it harder for employees to safeguard their rights.
Union leaders have claimed that crores of workers from different sectors will take part in the strike. They describe it as one of the biggest coordinated labour protests seen in recent years.
The Bharat Bandh is set to begin at midnight, and how much it affects daily life on 12 February will largely depend on how many workers join the strike in each state.
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