Bharat bandh disrupts work at Nashik MIDC units; limited impact in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Nashik/Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The nationwide Bharat Bandh, called by various central trade unions on Thursday against the Centre's labour reforms and economic policies, disrupted industrial activity in major industrial estates of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) located in Nashik. However, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the strike has no significant impact.According to the Nashik Industries and Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), industrial operations in over 200 units located in the Satpur and Ambad MIDC areas, both falling under the Nashik Municipal Corporation limits, were partially or fully affected. These units, affiliated with various central trade unions, reported reduced manpower attendance as workers joined the bandh. Workers also took out a protest march in Nashik city on Thursday."Production in over 200 industrial units was affected on Thursday due to the Bharat Bandh. These were the industrial units where workers' unions are affiliated with the various trade unions that called the bandh," said Ashish Nahar, the president of NIMA.An action committee of different trade unions was formed to make the strike successful. A long march was organised from the Golf Club ground to the district collectorate as part of the protest.A delegation of different trade unions met Nashik district collector Ayush Prasad and presented a memorandum of their demands, seeking minimum wages of Rs 30,000 per month for an 8-hour shift for workers in all establishments, a minimum Rs 10,000 per month pension for farmers and workers, and the same amount of pension for senior citizens with benefits of the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). They also demanded jobs for unemployed people, an end to privatisation of public sector undertakings (PSUs), and the abolition of corporate-oriented labour acts.In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, while most services and commercial establishments were functioning as usual, trade union leaders claimed that anganwadis and a section of factories were affected due to the strike.Trade union leader Subhash Lomate said many workers could not take part in the strike despite mounting unrest against govt policies. "Several establishments have contract-based workers, who could not take part in the strike despite their willingness. We will continue to fight for our rights till govt mends its ways," he said.Trade union representatives held demonstrations at Kranti Chowk, during which they raised anti-govt slogans and highlighted their demands. Repeal of Labour Codes, restoration of MGNREGA funding, and roll back of the Viksit Bharat-Gramin Act, 2025 are some of the key demands central trade unions raised.