Bharat Bandh In Tamil Nadu: Are Chennai Schools Closed Today?
A nationwide general strike is scheduled for July 9, with demonstrators calling for the fulfilment of a 17-point charter of demands, notably the reinstatement of the old pension scheme for central and state government employees.
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In Tamil Nadu, 13 trade unions, including the DMK-affiliated Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and the CITU, which is associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), have declared their support.
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Due to the involvement of the ruling DMK's trade union, bus services across Tamil Nadu, including those in Chennai, are expected to be significantly disrupted. Conversely, the Anna Trade Union, affiliated with the opposition AIADMK, is not participating, suggesting a limited number of buses may still operate.
As the majority of auto-rickshaw workers are associated with the CITU, auto services are also likely to be severely affected. However, as traders' associations have not endorsed the strike, most shops and commercial establishments are expected to function normally. The banking and insurance sectors have confirmed their participation in the strike.
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Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Muruganandam has issued a stern warning that any state government employees or teachers who join the strike will face withheld salaries and departmental disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, the strike's impact on schools remains uncertain. In response, many schools across Tamil Nadu have announced closures for the day. In Puducherry, most private schools are expected to remain shut, though no formal communication has been issued regarding government institutions.
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