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NEW DELHI: Farmers' unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have called for a nationwide strike, named
Gramin Bharat Bandh, on February 16, urging the Centre to address their longstanding demands. The strike is expected to impact several sectors, with potential disruptions to transportation, agricultural activities, and rural employment schemes, among others.

Bandh timing and duration The Gramin Bharat Bandh is scheduled from 6am to 4pm on February 16, with farmers planning massive chakka jams on main roads from 12pm to 4pm. Routes in Punjab are set to be affected for four hours, causing potential traffic diversions and delays. Delhi NCR borders, particularly Singhu (Delhi-Haryana), Ghazipur, and Tikri (DelhiHaryana), are anticipated to experience significant traffic disruptions, making it challenging for commuters to enter the national capital.

Affected sectors

Transportation, agricultural activities, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) rural works, private offices, village shops, and rural industrial and service sector institutions are expected to remain closed.

Impact on essential services

Emergency services such as ambulance operations, newspaper distribution, marriage ceremonies, medical shops, and students going for board exams are unlikely to be affected.

Farmers' demands

The farmers, under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have listed key demands, including a minimum support price based on the Swaminathan formula, legal guarantee of procurement, debt waiver, and comprehensive crop insurance, among others.