Banking operations across India are facing significant disruptions today, February 12, 2026, as a nationwide Bharat Bandh takes hold. Led by a coalition of ten central trade unions and supported by major banking associations, the strike has brought the long-standing demand for a 5-day work week back to the forefront of national discourse.

While digital platforms remain functional, physical branch operations in several states are seeing thin attendance and suspended services, leaving many customers looking for alternatives.

Why are Bank Employees Striking?

The primary trigger for the participation of bank staff in today's Bharat Bandh is the unresolved demand for a 5-day work week. Currently, banks in India operate on a schedule where the second and fourth Saturdays of every month are holidays. However, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has been pushing for all Saturdays to be declared holidays, citing extreme work pressure and the need for better work-life balance.

"A rested banker serves the nation better," stated a representative from the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA). "We have already agreed to extend daily working hours by 40 minutes to compensate for the extra holidays, yet the government approval remains pending."

Beyond the 5-day week, unions are also protesting:

• New Labour Codes: Opposition to the four new codes that replace 29 existing laws, which unions claim weaken workers' rights.

• Staffing Pressures: Demands for immediate recruitment to fill vacancies and reduce the burden on existing employees.

• Pension Reforms: The call for a rollback to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Banking Services Affected Today

Major public sector lenders, including State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, and UCO Bank, have issued advisories to the stock exchanges. While they have made arrangements to maintain normalcy, they admit that branch-level work is "impacted to a limited extent."

If you were planning to visit your local branch today, expect the following services to be hindered:

• Over-the-counter transactions: Cash deposits and large withdrawals may be delayed.

• Cheque Clearances: Physical clearing of cheques is likely to face a 24-hour lag.

• Locker Access: Most locker rooms in participating branches will remain inaccessible.

• Administrative Tasks: KYC updates and the issuance of Demand Drafts (DDs) are largely suspended.

What Remains Operational?

Despite the physical shutdown in pockets like Kerala, Odisha, and Punjab, digital banking services are functioning as usual. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not declared today a formal holiday, meaning the digital payment backbone (NEFT, IMPS, UPI) is fully active.

Pro-Tip: Use mobile banking apps or NetBanking for urgent transfers. ATMs are also expected to remain stocked and operational throughout the day.

The Broader Impact of Bharat Bandh

The strike isn't limited to banks. Supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the Bharat Bandh has also affected public transport and markets in several regions. Farmers are protesting the recent India–US interim trade deal, fearing that cheaper imports will hurt domestic livelihoods.

As the day progresses, the government's response to the 5-day work week demand remains the most watched development for millions of bank employees nationwide.

Chaos gripped Shivpuri district today as a fierce UGC protest Shivpuri clashed with BJP's budget programmes during the nationwide Bharat Bandh against UGC laws. Protesters stormed venues, threw chairs, and forced leaders to flee, marking a tense standoff just hours ago. This disruption highlights growing unrest over education reforms amid budget discussions.

Bharat Bandh Sparks Violence in Karera

In Karera town, BJP's budget event near the police aid centre was underway when agitators arrived. State Vice-President Ranveer Singh Rawat was addressing the crowd via LCD broadcast.

• Protesters climbed the stage, raising anti-UGC slogans.
  
  

• They switched off the LCD screen and hurled chairs, creating panic.
  
  

• Citing security risks, Rawat fled the venue; the programme was cancelled.
  
  

Eyewitnesses described scenes of pandemonium, with chairs flying and slogans echoing. "It was sudden—everything stopped in minutes," said a local attendee.

Stage Stormed at Madhav Chowk, Shivpuri

Similar drama unfolded at Madhav Chowk in Shivpuri city. BJP had pitched a tent for another budget programme, attended by District President Jaswant Jatav and Municipal President Gayatri Sharma.

Protesters rushed the stage, shouting demands against UGC norms. They powered down the LCD midway, halting proceedings. Additional SP Sanjeev Mule arrived swiftly, restoring order. Agitators submitted a memorandum to Jatav before dispersing.

This Bharat Bandh Shivpuri escalation ties into national outrage over UGC's proposed rules, seen as curtailing student rights. With Union Budget fresh in focus, these protests question policy impacts on youth.

Vandalism Hits Local Shops

The unrest spilled beyond political stages. In Karera, bandh enforcers targeted shops:

• An online store on Til Road was vandalised.
  
  

• A garment shop in Kacchi Gali faced damage.
  
  

Police reported no serious injuries or major clashes, but tensions simmer. "We're monitoring to prevent escalation," said a senior officer.

Why This Matters Now

As Bharat Bandh gains momentum across Madhya Pradesh, the UGC protest Shivpuri underscores education policy friction amid economic talks. BJP leaders decry it as "planned disruption," while protesters demand UGC law rollback. With state elections looming, such BJP budget programmes disruption could shape political narratives.