February 12 2026 is witnessing a nationwide Bharat Bandh, an organised general strike called by a coalition of over ten central trade unions and farmers’ organisations in protest against recent labour law changes and related policy concerns. Unlike government-declared holidays, a Bharat Bandh is a voluntary shutdown where unions call for businesses, transport systems, and services to halt operations. On this specific day, huge participation by workers has been claimed, and millions of Indians are closely monitoring what will remain open or shut across cities. The term Bharat Bandh today isn’t just a news headline; it reflects practical disruptions that many people are already navigating as they plan travel, banking, work, or school for the day.
The Bharat Bandh today is rooted in protest against labour codes and economic policy decisions that union leaders argue affect workers’ rights and job security. Although Bharat Bandh today is intended to affect a wide range of services, essential emergency provisions such as hospitals, ambulance services, fire services, and utilities typically continue to function because they are exempt from strike-related shutdowns. What is disrupted varies significantly by city, union participation levels, and local administrative decisions, making real-time checks especially important for commuters, families, and professionals planning their day.
Banks: Open or Closed During Bharat Bandh Today
One of the biggest questions on people’s minds for Bharat Bandh today is whether banks are operating. Public sector banks and post offices may face significant disruption because many bank employees are part of unionised workforces backing the strike. Counter services at government bank branches could be limited or suspended altogether in parts of the country where employee participation in the protest is high. However, online banking, ATM withdrawals, mobile banking apps, and digital transactions are expected to function normally since these systems run independently of physical branch staffing. Some major banks have stated that they are aiming to keep branches open or limit closures where possible, but local conditions and union actions could still result in partial shutdowns or delayed services.
Individual bank operations can differ city-wise during Bharat Bandh today. For example, in major urban centres like Bengaluru, branches in some localities may operate with skeletal staff to maintain basic functions, while in other areas staff participation in the strike could shut counters entirely. Customers are advised to check with their local branch before planning in-person banking on Feb 12 to avoid inconvenience. Even if banks are not fully closed across India, service quality and response times can be affected due to staff shortages, reduced counters, or transport issues impacting employee attendance.
Schools and Colleges: Local Decisions for Bharat Bandh Today
The question of whether schools are closed during Bharat Bandh today does not have a nationwide yes-or-no answer because educational institutions are under local jurisdiction. Many state governments or municipal education authorities decide independently whether to close schools and colleges based on protest intensity and safety conditions. In some states and districts, especially where union support is strong or large demonstrations are taking place, schools and colleges have opted to remain closed for safety reasons. In other areas, particularly where protest turnout is lower or administrative control is stronger, schools are open and regular academic activities continue. Parents and students are often advised to verify local updates directly with their school or education board rather than assume closures based on the broader Bharat Bandh today call.
City-wise status of schools on Bharat Bandh today reflects this variability. In certain districts within states such as Kerala and Karnataka, educational institutions have reported closures after local authorities considered both protest expectations and student safety. Meanwhile, in parts of Rajasthan and other regions, schools and coaching centres have remained open with normal attendance, underscoring the patchwork nature of the bandh’s impact. These differences are shaped by how union activity, local government directives, and community sentiment intersect on the ground.
Transport and Travel During Bharat Bandh Today
Transport services are among the sectors most visibly affected during Bharat Bandh today. Public buses, local train services, and state transport operations may run on limited schedules or face delays as workers in unions supporting the strike choose not to operate. Some private transport operators may also reduce services for the day due to anticipated low demand and safety concerns around large gatherings. Traffic patterns can change quickly, especially near protest sites where marches or demonstrations can lead to road blockages and diversions.
In major cities like Bengaluru, reports during the bandh indicate slower movement on roads and possible cancellations or route cuts for some bus services as unions back the strike. Despite this, essential transport segments, such as airports and inter-city train services, often maintain operations with minimum disruption because they fall under critical infrastructure categories exempt from complete shutdown. Travellers are strongly encouraged to check real-time transport updates via official transport apps and advisories before stepping out on Feb 12 to plan around possible delays or route restrictions.
Markets, Shops and Daily Life Impact on Bharat Bandh Today
Beyond big services like banks and schools, the broader heartbeat of urban and rural commerce can be felt during a nationwide shutdown. Markets, shops, and small businesses often decide independently whether to open on Bharat Bandh today. In some areas with higher solidarity among shopkeepers or strong union messaging, markets may remain shut or operate only for essential items, while in other places they function normally, especially where residents and authorities have not supported strike actions.
Daily life scenarios differ significantly: some urban neighbourhoods see bustling markets and normal business operations despite the strike call, indicating limited impact of the Bharat Bandh today, while other districts witness deserted streets and closed store fronts early in the morning. This inconsistency means citizens must check local news or community groups for the most accurate status before planning errands or shopping on Feb 12.
City-Wise Summary Snapshot for Bharat Bandh Today
City-wise impact varies widely, even within the same state, because the strength of participation in Bharat Bandh today depends on local union activity, political alignment, and administrative responses. For example, in Rajasthan cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, many schools and markets remain open with minimal bandh effect, while certain protests and organised union gatherings are reported in pockets. In contrast, parts of North India and Southern states have seen visible transport slowdowns, closed markets, and disruptions to normal business activity in some districts. These divergent patterns illustrate that Bharat Bandh today is not a uniform shutdown across India but a mosaic of situations shaped by local choices and on-the-ground conditions.
Conclusion: Navigating Bharat Bandh Today Without Panic
A nationwide Bharat Bandh today on Feb 12, 2026 represents both a political mobilisation and a real-world disruption that millions are experiencing across India. It is neither a formal government holiday nor a complete shutdown with guaranteed closures, which means its effects are uneven from city to city. Services like banks, schools, and transport may operate normally in some regions while being disrupted in others, depending on local union participation and administrative directives.
For citizens and travellers, the key to getting through Bharat Bandh today smoothly is preparation and awareness. Checking city-specific updates, banking communication, school notices, and transport advisories can significantly reduce confusion and inconvenience. While protests and shutdowns reflect broader socio-political debates, practical decisions on the ground determine what remains open or closed. In an environment where impacts are mixed, staying informed is the most effective way to navigate the day without disruption.
FAQs
What is Bharat Bandh today (Feb 12, 2026)?
Bharat Bandh today refers to a nationwide general strike called by multiple central trade unions and farmers’ organisations on February 12, 2026 to protest recent labour law changes, aiming to draw attention and participation from workers across sectors.
Are banks open during Bharat Bandh today?
Banks may face partial disruption during Bharat Bandh today, particularly public sector branches where staff participation in the strike is high, but online banking and ATM services continue to function normally.
Are schools closed because of Bharat Bandh today?
Schools’ operational status varies by city and district during Bharat Bandh today, as local government and education authorities decide closures based on protest activity and safety concerns.
Will transport services be affected on Bharat Bandh today?
Transport systems, especially local buses and state-run services, may operate on reduced schedules or face delays during Bharat Bandh today, while essential travel like air and long-distance rail tends to continue.
What happens to markets and shops during Bharat Bandh today?
Market and shop operations on Bharat Bandh today depend on local participation and merchant decisions, ranging from normal functioning to partial or complete closure in areas with strong strike support.
Is Bharat Bandh today a national holiday?
No, Bharat Bandh today is a voluntary strike called by unions, not a government-declared holiday; its impact on work, banks, schools, or transport varies across regions.