Amid ongoing protests by farmers from Punjab heading towards Delhi to highlight their demands, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, along with several trade unions, has called for a Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16. This bandh is set to take place between 6 am and 4 pm, with farmers planning a chakka jam on major roads across the country from 12 pm to 4 pm.

What Will Remain Open?

Emergency services such as ambulance operations, medical shops, marriage ceremonies, and schools will not be affected by the Bharat Bandh on Friday.

What Will Remain Closed?

During the Gramin Bharat bandh, villages will be closed for all agricultural activities, including MNREGA and rural works. No farmers, agricultural workers, or rural workers are expected to work that day.

Trading and procurement of vegetables and other crops will be halted. Village shops, grain markets, vegetable markets, government and non-governmental offices, rural industrial and service sector establishments, as well as private sector enterprises, have been urged to shut down.

Shops and businesses in towns neighboring the villages will also remain closed during the strike period.

Public transport will be affected as roadway employees will also participate in the Gramin Bharat bandh.

"Punjab School Education Board Requested to Defer the Exam"

The Punjab State Board is scheduled to hold the science examination for Class 10 on February 16, coinciding with the Gramin Bharat bandh. Therefore, the Democratic Teachers Front, Punjab, has requested the state government to defer the exam, citing potential difficulties for students and teachers in reaching their exam centers.

The association has expressed its support for the Gramin Bharat Bandh call.

"Why Have Farmers Called for Gramin Bharat Bandh?"

The demands raised during the Gramin Bharat Bandh are similar to those of the farmers marching towards Delhi.

These demands include a minimum wage of ₹26,000 per month, repeal of four labor codes, guaranteed employment as a fundamental right, opposition to privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), contextualization of the workforce, and abolition of fixed-term employment.

Farmers also seek a Minimum Support Price for crops based on the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission of C2+50 (input cost of capital 50%), legal guarantee of procurement, debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, and no smart meters.

"Union Ministers to Meet Farmer Leaders at 5 pm Today"

A panel of three union ministers is scheduled to meet with farmer leaders in Chandigarh today at 5 pm. These ministers include Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.

This meeting marks the third round of talks between the two sides, with previous discussions on February 8 and 12 remaining inconclusive.

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