As various farmers’ unions, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), declared a Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16, traders across India have vowed to continue their business operations uninterrupted. The SKM urged like-minded farmer organizations to join the nationwide strike, coinciding with the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ protests by farmers marching from Haryana and Punjab.
The Bharat Bandh, scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm, includes a widespread chakka jam on major roads from 12 pm to 4 pm, affecting transportation, agricultural activities, MNREGA-related activities, private offices, village shops, and rural industrial establishments. In Punjab, significant parts of state and national highways will be closed during this period.
While the bandh impacts normal life in southwest Punjab with private and government-run buses off the roads, schools and colleges remain open due to ongoing board exams. Punjab Roadways officials reported road closures, affecting bus services, and passengers stranded at various locations.
Despite the disruptions, traders, represented by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), stand firm in their commitment to business continuity. CAIT President BC Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal emphasized the vital role traders play in ensuring the availability of essential goods and services during such events. The traders assert their right to conduct business, emphasizing their dedication to serving communities and maintaining economic stability.
As the Bharat Bandh unfolds, traders’ resilience underscores their essential contribution to the nation’s economy and their determination to keep establishments open, providing uninterrupted services to the public.
