A nationwide strike led by the Joint Platform of 10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs) significantly disrupted coal, banking, and other sectors in Jharkhand on Wednesday, as workers protested the central government’s policies, particularly the controversial four new labour codes. Supported by political parties like the Left, JMM, Congress, and RJD, the Bharat Bandh saw widespread participation across the state.

Trade union leaders reported a complete halt in coal production, loading, and dispatch at Jharkhand’s mines, with workers from major coal companies like BCCL, CCL, and ECL joining the strike. However, company officials claimed the impact was minimal and said a detailed assessment would be released later in the evening. In Ramgarh, coal production and dispatch were notably affected in various projects under CCL’s Barka-Sayal area, while the Rajrappa area experienced partial disruptions, according to area general managers.

Banking services faced significant interruptions, with most banks, except the State Bank of India and private institutions, impacted, as confirmed by Umesh Das, deputy general secretary of the Bank of India Employees Union in Jharkhand. In Ranchi, trade unions and workers from allied political parties held two rallies from Sainik Market and Kutchery, converging at Albert Ekka Chowk for a public meeting to press their 17-point charter of demands, including the repeal of the labour codes, halting PSU privatization, and raising minimum wages.

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“The four labour codes strip workers of protections and social security,” said Suvendu Sen, AITUC Jharkhand unit general secretary, condemning the government’s policies as exploitative. CPI state secretary Mahendra Pathak echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing opposition to “anti-worker policies.”

While the strike disrupted industrial operations, public transport and markets in Ranchi remained largely unaffected. In Hazaribag, bandh supporters briefly blocked Zila Parishad Chowk on National Highway 33, though police swiftly cleared the area. Union leaders claimed significant disruptions in the Charhi area’s coal production, but local administration reported no major impact. In Bokaro’s Bermo, protesters briefly blocked railway tracks at Bermo station, dispersing after administrative intervention. Road blockades were also reported in Palamu district.

The strike, originally planned for May 20, was deferred due to the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. With over 25 crore workers nationwide participating, the Bharat Bandh underscored deep discontent with the government’s labour and economic policies, amplified by solidarity from farmers’ unions like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha.

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