Kolkata: The Bengal govt has directed all its employees to report to work on Wednesday and ensure minimal disruption in every sector to counter a 24-hour nationwide strike, called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions.
The strike on Wednesday, supported by Left-affiliated unions, is, however, expected to impact banking services. Though bank unions did not officially confirm their participation, the bandh organisers claimed public sector as well as cooperative banks employees would join in. If bank unions do join, services, such as cheque clearance, transactions and branch operations, may be affected. But except for public sector and cooperative banking operations, the bandh is unlikely to disrupt life in Kolkata or elsewhere. The govt on Tuesday issued strict directives, asking all its offices, including grant-in-aid institutions, to stay open. State employees have been told that no leave will be sanctioned for Wednesday, except under specific conditions, such as hospitalisation or for a pre-approved leave and unauthorised absence will be treated as dies non, for which disciplinary action will be taken. Compliance reports have to be submitted by July 31.
Transport services are expected to operate normally. The state transport department has directed all public and private transport operators to maintain a regular weekday schedule. Control rooms will open at 6 am to help citizens. Additional buses, ferries and trams will be deployed. Over 770 buses from CSTC, CTC and WBSTC across multiple shifts, 25 ferries and two trams will cater to commuters. Private transport operators, including bus and taxi associations, assured full services, while normal Metro and railways operations are expected. No school announced any closure though the management at some institutes requested parents to first assess the situation on the roads before sending their children.
Kolkata Police said they would deploy around 5,000 personnel in the city to maintain law and order. All major intersections, markets and "sensitive zones", prone to disruption, will be under surveillance, with uniformed personnel stationed at key points to ensure smooth traffic movement and public safety. In addition, quick response teams will be strategically positioned to be able to respond swiftly to any untoward incident. Special security arrangements will be made for bus operators. Drivers have been assured full protection—if they face any obstruction or feel threatened, they can contact traffic police and share their live location for prompt assistance. Senior officers said they would monitor the situation from control rooms, and mobile patrols would be intensified to deter any attempt at disruption.