Bharat Bandh Today: Security Beefed Up At Offices In Odisha; Check What’s Closed

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has instructed its employees to reach offices by 9.30 am on Wednesday in view of the 12-hour Bharat Bandh call by members of Bhim Army, National Confederation of Dalit Organisation, Odisha Adivasi Kalyan Mahasangha, Adivasi Ekta Parishad, SC, ST Minorities, OBC Joint Action Committee and other Dalit organisations.

The nation-wide strike is in protest against the Supreme Court’s ruling on SC/ST reservations, allowing states to create sub-categories within the groups. The Dalit and Adivasi organisations are demanding wider representation of marginalised communities in jobs and education and protection of their constitutional rights.

Security arrangements at Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and the Heads of Department Building in Odisha capital have also been beefed up in view of the call for the nationwide strike.

“It is apprehended that they may close down business establishments, market places, central and state government offices, courts, petrol pumps, banks/ financial institutions. Vehicular as well as railway traffic is likely to be affected. It is, therefore, advised that the officers and the employees of your department working in the Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, and Rajiv Bhawan and in the Heads of Department Building may be advised to reach office latest by 9.,30 am to facilitate their smooth entry,” the Home Department said.

The steps taken as precautionary measures are as follows:

i) The front gates of the Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 10.15 am and all the passage will be regulated through the rear gate. The connecting gate between the Red Building and Main Lok Seva Bhawan building will remain open.

ii) Security check of identity cards and passes of the employees and visitors will be intensified. Travelling in a vehicle having car pass will not be permitted without valid authority for entry.

iii) Entry of visitors will be restricted on that day. Persons having prior appointment, whose business is pressing and immediate will be given entry passes on the recommendations of the concerned Department by Special Secretary, Home Department. The visitors may kindly be informed to leave immediately after the meeting.

WHAT MAY REMAIN CLOSED

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has asked all businesses to close in support of the protest.

However, it’s still unclear if markets and commercial establishments across the country will actually shut down, as there has been no official word from market committees.

Government offices, post offices and banks will remain open. Educational institutions, and gas stations are expected to operate normally as well. Furthermore, essential services such as healthcare, water supply, train services, public transportation, and electricity will continue uninterrupted, according to an ET report.

While public transport and many businesses typically suspend operations during such strikes, essential services, including ambulances, will remain functional to ensure public safety.