Normal life across Odisha is likely to be disrupted on February 12 following a call for a nationwide Bharat Bandh by Central Trade Unions demanding the withdrawal of four newly introduced labour codes. The strike has also received support from several farmer organisations.
Trade union leaders have indicated that essential sectors such as banking, public transport, government offices and public sector undertakings may witness significant disruption during the bandh. Business establishments in major urban centres, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and various district headquarters towns, are also expected to be impacted.
Commuters may face inconvenience as protestors are likely to organise demonstrations, rallies and road blockades at several locations, including major highways across the state.
In Odisha, the bandh has received support from Left parties, including the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation and the Forward Bloc. Trade unions have expressed strong opposition to the four labour codes introduced last November, which replaced 29 existing labour laws.
According to union representatives, the new labour codes weaken workers’ rights, dilute job security provisions and undermine safeguards achieved through decades of labour movements.
Educational institutions, banks, post offices, markets, industrial units and factories may remain closed in several areas during the bandh. Fuel supply could also be affected at some locations.
However, essential and emergency services such as hospitals, ambulance services, pharmacies, water supply, electricity and fire services are expected to function normally.
Airports and flight operations are likely to remain unaffected. Train services are expected to run as scheduled, although delays cannot be ruled out in the event of rail blockades. Private offices may operate with limited attendance, while online and digital services could face minor, localised disruptions.