Bharat Bandh: Nationwide shutdown on August 21? Know what’s open, what's closed

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for Bharat Bandh on August 21 to protest against the Supreme Court's ruling that called for quota in quota. The top court on August 1 allowed states to create sub-categories within the scheduled castes (SCs) and scheduled tribes (STs), saying, "Those who really need it should get priority in reservation."

According to The Times of India, to prevent tension, police have been asked to increase their presence in all districts in Rajasthan. Furthermore, as stated by state DGP UR Sahoo, the SPs were instructed to maintain law and order throughout the Bharat Bandh.

The DGP told TOI, “We have asked our officials to organise meetings with groups calling for the bandh, as well as with market associations to facilitate better cooperation”. 

The Supreme Court's decision, which stated, "Those who really need it should get priority in reservation," allowed states to establish subcategories within the SC and ST groups, according to a number of reports

According to reports, the main goal of the Bharat Bandh is to seek the reversal of the Supreme Court's judgement regarding reservations. 

The choice has generated a lot of discussion. It is expected that a number of political and social organisations will endorse the Bharat Bandh. The purpose of the protestis to highlight the unfair court ruling.

What will be open?

Emergency, ambulance services, hospitals and medical services

Police services to remain active

Pharmacies will also stay open to provide essential medications.

It will be business as usual for government offices, banks, schools and colleges, reports have said.

However, since market committees have not provided confirmation, it remains unclear whether markets will be shut down or if the shutdown will affect the entire country as there is no confirmation from market committees.