Bharat bandh on February 12: Will banks, schools, colleges, transport and markets remain closed tomorrow?

Bharat bandh on February 12: Will banks, schools, colleges, transport and markets remain closed tomorrow?

India may witness widespread disruption on February 12, 2026, as central trade unions and farmers’ organisations have called for a nationwide strike, known as Bharat Bandh. Public sector banks, government offices, transport services and markets in several states are likely to be affected. Some schools and colleges may also remain closed in protest-hit areas, depending on local conditions.

The strike call comes from a joint platform of central trade unions, with strong backing from farmer groups who are protesting against the new labour codes and the proposed India–US trade deal.

Bharat Bandh 2026 reason: Why nationwide strike been called?

A joint forum of 10 central trade unions — INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC — has announced the strike.

The unions are opposing the four labour codes that replaced 29 labour laws last year. They say the new codes weaken workers’ rights, reduce job security and make it easier for employers to hire and fire staff. They have also raised concerns over privatisation, wage issues and lack of social security.

According to the unions, strike notices have been served in most sectors and industries and preparations are in full swing. Their key demands include scrapping the four labour codes and rules, withdrawing the Draft Seed Bill, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act. They are also demanding restoration of MGNREGA and scrapping of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.

Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: Will schools and colleges remain closed?

There is no nationwide closure announcement for schools and colleges. However, educational institutions in some states, including Kerala, Karnataka and Odisha may remain closed if local organisations support the bandh or if transport services are disrupted.

Parents and students are advised to check official notices from their respective schools and colleges.

Bharat Bandh 2026: Will banks remain closed on February 12?

Public sector bank branches are likely to be affected as employees and officers have announced participation in the strike. Major unions such as the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), AIBOA and BEFI have urged members to join.

State Bank of India said on Tuesday that a nationwide bank strike is scheduled for February 12, 2026, and warned customers that services could be affected to some extent. Quoting the bank, Reuters reported, “Work may be impacted to a limited extent during the strike.” IDBI Bank has also received an official strike notice from bank unions. The strike call by major banking unions has raised concerns among customers, but neither the banks nor the Reserve Bank of India have declared the day a bank holiday, which means branches are expected to remain open even if services face partial disruption.

Customers may face disruption in branch services, cheque clearances, deposits and withdrawals. Online banking and ATM services may continue, though minor delays are possible. Private banks may function, but services could vary by location.

Bharat Bandh Feb 12: What about transport and markets?

Bharat Bandh, Public transport services in some regions may be disrupted due to protests and possible road blockades or “chakka jam.” Markets and shops in protest-affected areas may remain closed.

Government offices in several states could also see reduced attendance or closure, depending on employee participation.

Emergency services such as hospitals and ambulances are expected to function normally. Airports and essential utilities are also likely to operate, though travellers are advised to leave early in case of traffic disruptions.

Bharat Bandh, Farmers support strike over India–US trade deal

Farmers’ bodies such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) have extended full support to the strike.

In a statement issued on Saturday, SKM described the proposed trade agreement framework as a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture to American multinational corporations. The group alleged that opening Indian markets to dairy products, animal feed, soybean oil and other agricultural imports could harm domestic farmers.

SKM has also demanded the resignation of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing him of misleading farmers on the inclusion of dairy products in free trade agreements with the UK, New Zealand and the European Union.

AIKS leader Krishna Prasad warned that such trade agreements could have long-term effects on India’s agriculture and dairy sectors, adding that similar deals signed by the US and EU mainly serve their own economic interests.