A nationwide Bharat Bandh is being observed today, with Dalit and Adivasi organisations leading the protest against the recent Supreme Court ruling on Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservations. The strike calls for stronger representation and protection for marginalised communities, including SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Supreme Court's controversial 6:1 decision allowed states to create sub-classifications within SC and ST categories, establishing a "creamy layer" that prioritises those most in need of reservation benefits. While some viewed this as a step towards fairness, others, including several social and political groups, have strongly opposed the ruling, arguing that it undermines the constitutional rights of these communities.

Why the Bharat Bandh?
Dalit and Adivasi groups, under the banner of the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR), have called for the Bharat Bandh. Their demands include rejecting the Supreme Court's ruling and enacting a new parliamentary act to protect reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs. They want this law to be added to the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard it from judicial review.

Key demands include:

• Rejection of the Supreme Court judgment to prevent any threat to the constitutional rights of SCs and STs.
• Enactment of a new law protecting reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
• Immediate release of caste-based data on SC/ST/OBC employees in government services.
• Establishment of an Indian Judicial Service to recruit judges from marginalised sections, ensuring 50% representation of SCs, STs, and OBCs in the judiciary.
• Filling of vacant positions in central and state government departments and public sector units.
• Affirmative action policies in private companies benefiting from government incentives.

What's Affected?

The organisers have urged businesses to remain closed today. However, widespread closures have not yet been confirmed by market committees. Public transport, including metro services, could experience disruptions in some areas. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, are largely expected to stay open. However, all schools in seven districts of Rajasthan will remain closed today due to the Bharat Bandh, following a directive from the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti.

Emergency services such as medical care, ambulances, water supply, rail services, and electricity will remain operational during the bandh.

The protest serves as a strong message from the Dalit and Adivasi communities that their demand for justice, equity, and protection of constitutional rights cannot be ignored.

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