Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has ramped up security measures at key administrative establishments in the state capital in view of the 12-hour nationwide general strike by the trade unions from 6 am on Thursday.
The Bharat Bandh call has been jointly given by over ten major central trade unions, including AITUC, INTUC, CITU, HMS, and others, with support from farmers’ groups such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). Union leaders estimate that up to 30 crore workers across India could participate, protesting against the four new labour codes, alleged anti-worker and pro-corporate policies, changes to rural employment guarantees like MGNREGA, and other economic measures.
In Odisha, where union mobilisation is expected to be strong with the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee extending its support to the strike, the state administration is taking proactive steps to ensure the smooth functioning of government operations and prevent any disruptions or untoward incidents at key sites. While security has been tightened at Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan, and the Heads of Department Building, employees working in these establishments have been instructed to report to their offices by 9.30 am.
According to communique issued by Home Department to the heads of the departments on Wednesday, the front gate of the Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 10.15 am on Thursday and all the passage will be regulated through the rear gate. “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 of entry,” it read.
The entry of visitors has been restricted. “Persons having prior appointment will be given entry passes on the recommendations of the department concerned,” it added.
Employees have been advised to remain at their workstations and carry out their duties without unnecessary movement within the premises. In the event of any unusual or untoward incident, staff members are dire
cted to immediately inform the Secretary of the Home Department at 0674-2393849 or the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Secretariat Security) at 0674-2322522.
The Home Department has also asked district collectors to take all preventive and precautionary security measures to maintain law and order and remain alert against any untoward incident during the general strike, which could witness rail roko/ protest meeting, road blockades, picketing and demonstrations and closure of mines/ Factories, government offices, educational institutions, bank/ business centre across the country.
“Requisite arrangement may also be made to ensure smooth functioning of central and state government offices in the state. Situation may be kept under close watch to ensure maintenance of essential services,” it added.
Likely Impact Of The Bandh
Public sector bank services could see disruptions as All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) have announced participation in the strike.
Filling stations across Odisha will remained closed.
Transport services and markets across several states are also expected to be impacted, especially in areas where protests are strong. The State Private Bus Owners’ Association has, however, decided not to support the nationwide. “We may reconsider the decision depending on the situation, particularly if agitators obstruct bus services,” stated a member of the association following a meeting in Puri to deliberate on pressing issues faced by bus operators, drivers, and staff across Odisha.
Some schools and colleges may also remain closed. An official confirmation on the closure of schools and colleges in Odisha, however, is still awaited. Train services are also likely to be affected.
Essential services such as hospitals, ambulance services and medicine stores are expected to function as normal. Airports and other important public services are also likely to remain open. However, travellers are advised to start their journeys early, as traffic disruptions and transport delays are possible.