Bharat Bandh today, less than enthusiastic response likely in Chhattisgarh
Various organizations across the country have called for a nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' on August 21 to protest the Supreme Court's decision on the creamy layer in SC/ST reservations. However, the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Private School Association have decided not to support this shutdown.
In anticipation of the bandh, the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries held a meeting with the Chhattisgarhiya Sarva Samaj Mahasangh and other community leaders to discuss the chamber's stance on the proposed shutdown. The meeting was convened to gauge the chamber's position on supporting the 'Bharat Bandh,' which was called in opposition to the Supreme Court's reservation classification order.
Chamber President Amar Parwani stated that there was an in-depth discussion between the chamber officials and community representatives on the matter. However, national organizations associated with the chamber expressed their unawareness of the bandh and chose not to support it. Parwani emphasized that small traders, street vendors, and those involved in the trade of fruits, vegetables, milk, and other perishable goods suffer financial losses in sudden shutdowns. Therefore, supporting the 'Bharat Bandh' without prior notice and consultations with trade associations is not feasible.
Other key chamber officials, including Treasurer Uttamchand Golcha, Executive President Rajendra Jaggi, Executive General Secretary Vikas Ahuja, and community representatives, also participated in the meeting. The chamber made it clear that they would not support any sudden shutdown that could economically harm small traders and others affected.
The Private School Association also distanced itself from the bandh. Association President Rajeev Gupta stated that while they are not supporting the bandh, schools in areas with significant SC/ST populations may remain closed, while those in urban areas will be partially open. Gupta further explained that the decision to keep schools open or closed has been left to local school management to ensure that students commuting from distant areas are not inconvenienced by the bandh.