Various Dalit organisations across the country have called for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ against the Supreme Court’s decision on the creamy layer in Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes reservations. 

The Supreme Court, while ruling on the creamy layer in SC-ST reservation, said that all SC and ST castes and tribes are not the same, bringing in ‘quota within quota’

What will remain open?

Emergency services like hospitals and ambulances will remain operational during the Bharat Bandh today. No order has yet come from any state government regarding the closure of banks and government offices. Therefore, it is believed that banks and government offices will be operational.

The authorities are taking extensive measures to ensure public safety during the protests. Public transport services may be affected during Bharat Bandh. Private offices may be closed in some places.

Most affected states

The most impact of the strike is likely to be seen in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

Dalit organisations have found support from Bahujan Samajwadi Party, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, and Bharat Tribal Party’s Mohan Lat Roat. Apart from this, leaders of some parties, including Congress, have shown their support.

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SC suggests identifying ‘creamy layer’ in SC-STs