On February 12, 2026, a nationwide Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions and farmers’ groups threatens to disrupt banks, transport, schools and government services as workers protest labour codes and a proposed India-US trade deal.

A coalition of at least 10 central trade unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC and HMS, backed by farmer bodies such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, has called a 24-hour Bharat Bandh nationwide on February 12 to oppose new labour laws and a pending India-US interim trade agreement perceived as harmful to workers and farmers.

Union leaders have claimed that over 30 crore workers spanning public sector employees, bank staff and agricultural workers are expected to participate, making this one of the largest general strikes in years. Amarjeet Kaur of AITUC said the scale of participation has the potential to eclipse past nationwide actions.

The strike call specifically targets the new labour codes, which unions argue weaken job security and workers’ rights. Farmers’ bodies have linked their support to opposition against the India-US trade deal, asserting that cheaper agricultural imports could harm domestic farming. SKM convenor Hannan Mollah warned that the pact would leave Indian produce unable to compete.

Disruption Across Sectors: Banks, Transport, Schools, Markets

Banking sector:

Major public sector bank unions like the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), AIBOA and BEFI have issued strike notices, urging members to down tools on February 12. While there is no official bank holiday proclaimed by the Reserve Bank of India, institutions such as the State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda have issued alerts that services may be disrupted particularly cheque clearance, cash withdrawals and in-branch transactions.

In Gujarat alone, union leaders expect participation from over 25,000 bank employees across thousands of branches, and project it could affect transactions worth billions of rupees.

Transport and public services:

Public transportation including state buses and local services may be significantly impacted if unionised workers join the bandh. In states like Kerala, unions predict an “almost total shutdown” of non-essential services, including transport, markets and local commerce, while essential sectors like hospitals, ambulance services and utilities remain exempt.

Schools and colleges do not face a nationwide closure order, but many institutions in states where unions are strongest may choose to shut or switch to remote operations due to transport disruption and safety concerns.

Markets, government offices and routine business activity across Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala and other states are expected to slow or halt as employees and private workers observe the strike.

Official Responses and Public Preparations

Government authorities have acknowledged the bandh call and appealed for calm. Contingency preparations are being made in several states to ensure law and order, and essential services are being safeguarded. Police and administration officials have advised the public to plan travel in advance and expect delays or minimal attendance in public offices.

Banks, for their part, have tried to clarify the situation to customers. Several banking institutions stressed that branches will remain open since the day is not a gazetted holiday, though branch operations could be affected by employee participation in the strike. Digital and online services, including ATMs, are likely to function normally.

State officials in multiple regions have issued public notices regarding potential closures of government offices and public sector undertakings, and some school authorities have pre-emptively informed parents about possible class suspensions.

Socio-Political Backdrop and Broader Context

This Bharat Bandh follows a string of similar nationwide general strikes over the last few years, as trade unions and civil society groups push back against what they see as “anti-worker” reforms.

Labour organisations contend that the new labour codes replace long-standing protections achieved through decades of struggle, threatening job security and collective bargaining rights.

Farmers’ groups, especially the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, have been mobilising since early February, linking agrarian distress and job insecurity to broader economic policy decisions, particularly international trade agreements. Their concern is that reduced tariffs and market liberalisation could expose small farmers to competition from highly subsidised agricultural imports.

The union call also includes other demands such as restoration of employment programmes like MGNREGA and repeal of recently enacted economic reforms perceived to affect livelihoods.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we recognise the constitutional right to peaceful protest as an essential feature of India’s democratic fabric. Citizens and workers must have avenues to voice concerns over policy decisions that affect their livelihood, dignity and future.

That said, protests that disrupt essential services can deepen anxiety among ordinary people, especially when they impact access to healthcare, banking and transport.

Constructive change emerges not from confrontation alone, but from dialogue, transparency and inclusive decision-making. In a diverse country like India, policymaking must reflect broad consultation with stakeholders, balancing the need for economic reform with protections for workers, farmers and vulnerable communities.