Timing of Odisha Bandh
Odisha Bandh is being observed today from 6 am to 2 pm on the call of Navnirmana Krushak Sangathan (NKS). During this eight-hour period, protests, sit-ins and demonstrations are expected in several parts of the state, which may disrupt traffic services, business activities and the functioning of authorities and institutions.
Also read: Check what’s open and closed across the state
Essential services such as hospitals, ambulances and pharmacies have been taken out of the zone, with a gradual return to normal expected after 2pm.
“Educational institutions, transport service, offices and others will remain closed till 2 pm. We appeal to people to support the farmers’ cause and ensure that the bandh is successful,” NNKS convener Akshay Kumar said.
He added that essential services such as hospitals, ambulances and pharmacies were exempted from the zone.
Odisha Bandh: Are schools and colleges closed?
As of now, there is no official announcement from the Odisha government regarding the closure of schools or colleges due to the bandh. Parents are advised to check directly with school and college authorities in the morning, as individual institutions, especially private ones, may decide to suspend classes or go online based on local conditions. During nationwide strikes, disruption to traffic and public transportation usually prompts some educational institutions to declare holidays or adjust timetables.
Odisha Bandh Today: What parents, students and authorities should keep in mind
Students heading to schools, colleges or offices today are advised to leave well in advance of reporting. Public transport may face disruption and normal travel routes may be affected by protests and road blockades in some areas.
Odisha bandh: What can remain closed
The day-long bandh is expected to witness sit-ins, demonstrations and protest rallies across Odisha. Several business establishments, markets, petrol stations, banks, courts and central and state government offices may remain closed or partially functional. Vehicle movement and rail services may also face disruption at selected locations.
Orissa Government Bandh Directive
In view of the bandh call, the Odisha government has issued precautionary instructions to all district collectors and magistrates. A letter from RK Sharma, the home ministry’s special secretary, warned that protesters could force the closure of shops and markets, disrupt government offices and court proceedings, close petrol stations and interfere with banking operations. The advisory also drew attention to possible disruptions to road and rail traffic.
Protests are expected in front of District Collectorate offices, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), Urina Electricity Regulatory Authority (OERC), Tata Power offices and Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) across the state. Incidents such as the throwing of paddy bags during protests are also expected.
Government offices may operate with reduced staff
Government offices across Odisha may see reduced attendance as many employees might find it difficult to commute. Services related to routine administrative work, document processing and handling of public complaints may be delayed by a day.
Reason for Odisha Bandh
The NKS called the bandh demanding Rs 800 per quintal as input assistance for farmers in state-run mandis and removal of middlemen and millers from the paddy procurement system.
The organization is also protesting against the installation of smart electricity meters, penalties imposed on vehicle owners under pollution certificate enforcement and the proposed replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevija Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G).
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