An India Bandh has been called on August 21 by a specific community in response to a recent Supreme Court decision regarding SC/ST reservations. It is important to note that this is not an official government order to close schools or colleges, but rather a call or request from the community.
Who Called for the Bandh?
The “Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti” (Save Reservation Struggle Committee) has announced the India Bandh. Reports suggest that the committee has urged all trade organizations to keep markets closed throughout the day as part of the protest.
Will Schools and Educational Institutions Be Closed?
Students should be aware that schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are not officially closed for the Bandh. There has been no government order to shut down offices, banks, schools, colleges, coaching centers, or petrol pumps. However, it is advisable for students and parents to contact their respective schools, colleges, or institutions to confirm whether they need to attend or not.
Advisory for the General Public:
The advisory issued by the organizers of the Bandh suggests the following:
- All services, except for medical, police, and fire services, are requested to remain closed from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- The public is advised not to step out of their homes unless necessary. Only the “Bhim Sainiks” (members of the organizing group) are expected to monitor the Bandh.
- Malls, shops, offices, street vendors, banks, ATMs, markets, factories, and companies are expected to remain closed.
- No public or private buses, metro trains, or other transportation services, including taxis and auto-rickshaws, are expected to operate.
- All transport services, including trucks, trolleys, and goods trains, are requested to halt operations.
- All schools, colleges, universities, petrol pumps, CNG stations, and LPG depots are expected to remain closed. Lawyers are also requested not to work.
- The advisory suggests the public stock up on essential items in advance as everything is expected to remain closed for the day.
- District collectors are expected to come out to the streets to receive petitions.
School Closures Due to Weather Conditions:
Hyderabad: Due to heavy rains and weather conditions, schools in Hyderabad have been declared closed on both August 20 and 21 as a precaution. Some schools that were already closed for Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan have extended the closure.
Mizoram: Schools in the Aizawl and Kolasib districts of Mizoram were closed today due to continuous heavy rains, which led to minor landslides in some areas. The district administration has taken this step to ensure the safety of children amidst potential disasters.
