Today, **February 12, 2026**, marks a significant day of national unrest in India. A massive **Bharat Bandh** (nationwide strike) is underway, led by a coalition of over 10 central trade unions and the **Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)**. Estimates suggest that up to **30 crore (300 million) workers** across various sectors—including banking, transport, and agriculture—are participating.
Here is a breakdown of the core demands driving these protests:
### 1. Opposition to New Labor Codes
Protesters are demanding the immediate repeal of the **four new labor codes** that consolidated 29 existing laws.
* **The Fear:** Unions argue these codes make it easier for companies to fire workers (contractualization) and weaken collective bargaining rights.
* **The Demand:** A return to more protective labor frameworks and the implementation of a national minimum wage of **₹21,000 per month**.
### 2. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Government employees and public sector workers are pushing to scrap the National Pension System (NPS) in favor of the **Old Pension Scheme**.
* **The Issue:** The NPS is market-linked, meaning returns are not guaranteed. Under the OPS, retirees received 50% of their last-drawn salary as a fixed pension.
* **Context:** While the government recently introduced a **Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)** as a middle ground, protesters argue it doesn’t go far enough to ensure long-term social security.
### 3. The India–US Interim Trade Deal
Farmers are specifically targeting the recently announced trade framework with the United States, fearing it will lead to "economic colonization."
* **Market Flooding:** Farmers fear that cutting import duties on US agricultural products—such as **soybean oil, apples, and Dried Distillers Grains (DDGs)**—will crash domestic prices.
* **Subsidies Gap:** There is significant concern that Indian smallholders cannot compete with heavily subsidized US agribusinesses.
* **GM Concerns:** Protesters are also sounding the alarm over the potential entry of **Genetically Modified (GM)** seeds and food through this deal.
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### Other Key Demands
* **Repeal of New Bills:** Opposition to the **Electricity Bill 2025** (fear of rising tariffs), the **Seed Bill 2025** (corporate control over seeds), and the **VB-G RAM G Act** (which critics say weakens MGNREGA).
* **Legal MSP:** Reiteration of the long-standing demand for a legal guarantee of **Minimum Support Price (MSP)** at (comprehensive cost plus 50% profit).
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