Bharat Bandh on July 9: School and College Closures, State-Wise Impact Explained
New Delhi, July 8, 2025 — As India braces for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on July 9, concerns loom large over the potential impact on everyday life, particularly in the education sector. The bandh, called jointly by prominent farmer unions and trade federations, is expected to disrupt normalcy in many parts of the country. While the protest aims to draw attention to demands like legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP), rollback of privatization measures, and stronger labour protections, its cascading effects on schools, colleges, transport, and daily business are now a major focus of attention.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and central trade unions including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, AIKS, and others have urged widespread participation across states. The protest is expected to be peaceful, but will include road blockades, rail rokos (railway stoppages), and commercial closures. With mobilization planned in over a dozen states, education departments, parents, and school administrators are closely watching developments to decide on school and college closures.
In Punjab and Haryana, which are set to be the epicentres of the agitation, several districts such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ambala, and Kurukshetra have already declared precautionary holidays for schools. District education officers have issued notices advising schools to shut down on safety grounds, and many private schools have informed parents about offline classes being suspended. Authorities cite risks of transport disruptions and student movement near high-tension protest areas.
In Delhi, the government has yet to issue an official order on school closures. However, institutions located near protest-prone zones like Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, India Gate, and parts of North and Central Delhi are likely to shut doors or function with reduced attendance. Several Delhi-based private schools, citing transport unpredictability, have already announced a shift to online classes for the day.
Uttar Pradesh, a state with both farmer union and transport worker involvement, is likely to see scattered school closures, especially in western UP districts such as Meerut, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur, where protests are expected to draw large crowds. Local authorities are on high alert, and while no statewide closure has been ordered, schools have been advised to monitor local conditions and take independent decisions.
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a firm stance against any disruptions, reaffirming that “bandhs are not the answer.” However, in Howrah, Hooghly, and Kolkata suburbs, where trade unions have a stronger presence, several institutions are expected to close due to transport risks. Metro Rail services may remain operational but with increased security and fewer frequencies.
Kerala, with its robust union presence, has already announced the closure of most government and aided schools on July 9. The Kerala Education Department has issued a formal notice suspending all academic activities, including exams, in view of the strike. Private schools have followed suit. In Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, police have been deployed in advance near major campuses to prevent untoward incidents.
In Maharashtra, local authorities in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and parts of Mumbai have warned about potential traffic disruptions. Some schools have opted to go virtual or announced holiday in anticipation of limited staff availability and potential street blockades. The Maharashtra State Board has asked principals to make safety a priority and avoid compelling staff or students to commute if conditions worsen.
Tamil Nadu presents a mixed response. Although the state government has not endorsed the bandh, Left-aligned unions have mobilized support in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Tiruchirappalli. As of July 8 evening, several private and CBSE schools have issued alerts indicating closures or a shift to virtual classes. No formal directive has come from the School Education Department, but circulars from school associations hint at voluntary participation.
Higher education institutes are also likely to be affected. Faculty and staff unions at Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Panjab University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Allahabad University, and Osmania University have extended their support to the bandh. Teaching and administrative functions at these universities may be hit, especially in public universities with active union representation.
Hostel students in these institutions have been advised to limit outdoor activities and stock up on essentials. In some campuses, security personnel have been instructed to remain on alert and assist students in emergencies.
Transportation services are expected to face significant strain. Multiple rail unions, including members of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, have announced symbolic protests. Disruptions on major train routes through North and East India are likely. In cities like Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar, local trains and buses may be delayed or cancelled. Private bus operators and auto unions in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Chennai have also pledged solidarity, which could lead to low availability and increased fares for cab services.
Banking operations may see closures in rural branches as several public sector bank employees’ unions plan to join the bandh. ATM services could be affected due to logistical disruptions, and cheque clearances or cash deposits may get delayed. This may have a knock-on effect on school finance offices and fee collection for institutions that remain open.
From a law and order perspective, states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Haryana have either invoked Section 144 or are considering preventive detention of key protest leaders. In Bhopal, Lucknow, and Noida, police presence will be intensified near educational and commercial zones. The Union Home Ministry has advised state governments to ensure essential services like healthcare and education are not obstructed.
Legal observers point out that the Supreme Court of India has declared forced bandhs illegal and unconstitutional. However, in practice, educational institutions often shut voluntarily due to safety concerns rather than court directives. The absence of public transport, the risk of unrest, and fear among parents usually compel institutions to declare closures preemptively.
In this context, school managements across India are expected to remain alert and take last-minute calls based on local inputs. Parents are advised to stay in touch with school apps and local WhatsApp groups for real-time updates. Students should avoid unnecessary travel and plan accordingly for any changes in examination or class schedules.
In summary, the Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, is set to disrupt educational institutions across several Indian states, albeit with regional variation. While states like Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal are witnessing full or partial closures, others like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are adopting a watchful wait-and-see approach. Higher education is likely to face faculty absenteeism, and primary schools will adjust based on protest activity and transport availability. While the final decision on closures lies with local authorities or school heads, the message is clear: disruptions are imminent, and safety remains the top priority for all stakeholders.
About the Author
Discover more from KhabriDose
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
