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“Bharat Bandh” is a protest demanding overturn of court order. (representative picture)
Senior civil and police officials held a meeting to outline preparations for the band to avoid unpleasant incidents
The Reserve Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a 'Bharat Bandh' or nationwide lockdown on Wednesday, August 21, to protest against the Supreme Court ruling on Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe reservations.
On August 1, the Supreme Court had allowed states to create sub-categories within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), saying: “Those who are truly in need should be given priority in reservations.”
The Supreme Court ruled by majority that subdivisions within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are permissible. The court held that states have the power to make such classifications for job award and admissions quotas.
“Bharat Bandh” is a protest demanding overturn of court order.
Senior civil and police officials held a meeting to outline the band's preparations to avoid unpleasant incidents. All divisional commissioners, district magistrates and senior police officers participated in the meeting through video conferencing and were directed to prepare for the 'bandh'.
Wednesday's 'Bharat Bandh' is expected to receive support from various social and political organisations.
Which places are open during “Bharat Bandh”?
According to a Moneycontrol report, emergency, ambulance services, hospitals, medical and police services will remain active during 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday.
Pharmacies will also remain open to provide essential medicines. According to reports, government agencies, banks, schools and colleges will also operate as usual.
