LiveKarnataka Bandh Today: Midday meal workers join auto, taxi drivers; schools ordered to function normally

Officials have been instructed to persuade these workers not to take part in the protest. However, if they do participate, a departmental note has directed that schools must make alternative arrangements to ensure that meal services are not disrupted.

The development has put district administrations on alert. With 1.2 lakh kitchen workers potentially staying away from duty, schools face a significant logistical challenge in providing meals to lakhs of children, a key component of the school day in government and aided institutions.

The Department of School Education and Literacy on Wednesday said that schools in Karnataka would function normally on Thursday and would not be affected by the Bharat Bandh called by labour and trade unions against the policies of the Union government.

“District commissioners are also allowed to take decisions in case of untoward incidents,” said Vikas Kishor Suralkar, Commissioner for School Education.

Trade Union Co-Ordination Centre, Odisha State Committee participate in the nationwide strike, which has been called by several trade unions to protest against various policies of the central government.

As many as 10 trade unions have extended support to the strike, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre, Trade Union Co ordination Centre, Self Employed Women’s Association, All India Central Council of Trade Unions, Labour Progressive Federation and United Trade Union Congress.

The Kerala government has cautioned its employees against participating in the Bharat Bandh, warning that those who do so will face a salary cut. In a late night order issued on Wednesday, the Left Democratic Front led government announced a no work, no pay policy for employees who take part in the strike. Read more

As part of the Bharat Bandh, INTUC and Congress will hold a protest march in Hyderabad at 11 am today.

Jnanesh MP, the executive officer of Akshara Dasoha in Dakshina Kannada, said that many midday meal workers in the district will join the strike. He explained that to prevent problems, Mathru Samitis and SDMCs will cook and serve meals in schools. He added that similar backup arrangements are made whenever midday meal staff are absent due to protests.

Trade unions have called for a nationwide strike on Thursday to demand the cancellation of new labour laws and to protect workers’ rights. Because of this, midday meal services in government schools may be disrupted. To make sure students still get food, authorities have asked Mathru Samitis and school development and monitoring committees (SDMCs) to prepare meals.  

In Bengaluru, auto, taxi and transport drivers have extended support to the strike. Auto drivers are set to take part in a protest near Town Hall at 10 am. However, the Auto Association has stated that autorickshaw services will operate as usual.

Authorities have said that schools, colleges, banks, post offices, government offices, KSRTC and BMTC services will continue to function normally.

Banks, post offices and government offices may remain shut. KSRTC buses and local transport services could stay off the roads. Schools and colleges may cancel classes. Markets, fuel stations and industrial units could close in some areas. Traffic congestion is expected across Bengaluru as protesters gather at key junctions.

Essential services, however, will continue to operate. Hospitals, ambulances and emergency care services will function. Pharmacies and medical stores will remain open. Water, electricity and fire services will continue without interruption. Airports and railway operations are also expected to run as scheduled.

Private offices and online delivery platforms may operate, though with reduced staff and possible delays.

The Bharat Bandh has been called to oppose the 4 labour codes introduced by the central government, which replaced 29 existing labour laws with the stated aim of simplifying compliance for employers.

A joint forum of 10 central trade unions, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre, Trade Union Coordination Centre, Self Employed Women’s Association, All India Central Council of Trade Unions, Labour Progressive Federation and United Trade Union Congress, has called for the strike on Thursday.

The bandh is likely to disrupt public transport, with possible roadblocks affecting buses, taxis and local trains. Markets, shops and restaurants may also remain shut. Airports are expected to function as usual, though travellers are advised to allow extra time in view of potential traffic congestion.

Several services across the state are likely to be affected due to the bandh. The primary demand of the protest is the rollback of the Centre’s 4 new labour codes. Backed by farmer groups and Left parties, the Bharat Bandh could significantly disrupt banking, transport and other routine services across Karnataka.

Cities including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi and Mangaluru are expected to feel the impact. Residents have been advised to plan in advance, as delays, closures and protests may disrupt daily schedules.