Bharat Bandh, bank strike called on March 28, 29 may affect services

New Delhi, March 27, 2022: A two-day nationwide strike, starting Monday, has been called for by a joint forum of central trade unions to protest against central government policies. The All India Bank Employees Association has announced its support to the strike. Also Read: Beant Singh killing: SC directs Centre to decide on Rajoana’s mercy plea by April-end The banking sector will be joining the strike, the All India Bank Employees Association said on Facebook. The call for a nationwide strike was taken after a meeting of the joint platform of central trade unions on March 22, 2022. After taking stock of preparations in various states, the unions announced a two-day all-India strike against "the anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-people and anti-national policies" of the central government. The bank unions are participating in the strike to protest against the government's plan to privatise public sector banks, as well as the Banking Laws Amendment Bill 2021. The State Bank of India has issued a statement informing customers that banking services may be impacted on March 28 and 29. Banks have pensions of workers who are about to retire, would not be affected if they participate in the strike. Workers from various other sectors such as coal, steel, oil, telecom, postal, income tax, copper, and insurance are expected to participate in the strike. The unions in the railways and defence sector would be making mass mobilisation in support of the strike at several hundreds of spots across the country. Power Ministry issues an advisory Power Ministry issues advisory for ensuring maintaining and reliability of electricity grid during strike called by National Convention of Workers Ministry of Power issues advisory to States, CEA, All RPCs, CPSUs, NLDC, RLDCs to ensure maintaining and reliability of electricity grid during the strike called by National Convention of Workers from 28th to 30th March.  The Ministry advised that all the power utilities shall take necessary measures to ensure round the clock normal functioning of the electricity Grid and availability of all plants, transmission lines and substations. Notwithstanding above, the followings measures shall also be taken for secure and reliable grid operations:   Shutdown activities planned during 28th March 2022 to 29th March, 2022 may be rescheduled to suitable future dates to the extent possible. All concerned may be advised to ensure close supervision of their regional network/control area and shall report to the concerned SLDC/ RLDC and NLDC in the event of any contingency. Additional manpower may be deployed at all critical sub-stations/power station on 24X7 to handles any emergency conditions. Healthiness of data and voice communication between the identified sub-stations/ power stations and their corresponding SLDC/RLDCs may be ensured. Power supply to essential services such as hospitals, defence, railways etc. should be ensured. All regional/state control room executives should be vigil and on high alert. Also Read: Petrol, diesel prices hiked again; total increase of Rs 3.20 per litre in five days -PTC News