New Delhi, Feb 12: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced on Thursday that markets throughout the nation will remain operational, with trade activities continuing as normal despite the Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) proposed by certain trade unions and farmers' groups.

Praveen Khandelwal, the National Secretary General of CAIT, stated that all trading and related activities will proceed without interruption.

“No significant national traders' organization has endorsed the Bharat Bandh. Consequently, all commercial entities, markets, and both wholesale and retail trade centers across India will operate fully, ensuring that regular business functions are maintained,” Khandelwal, who is also a Member of Parliament, explained.

Reports have surfaced indicating that some trade unions have called for a Bharat Bandh.

“It is important to clarify that these calls do not represent the broader trading community. The organized trade sector does not endorse any such bandh,” Khandelwal emphasized.

The trading sector is crucial to the nation's economy and consistently works to prevent consumer inconvenience, ensuring that market activities continue smoothly.

“We urge the public to disregard any rumors or misleading information,” he added.

In the meantime, public sector banks, government offices, transportation services, and markets in various states may experience disruptions due to the strike. Additionally, some schools and colleges might close in areas affected by protests, depending on local circumstances. This strike has been organized by a coalition of central trade unions, receiving strong support from farmer groups opposing the new Labour Codes and the India-US trade agreement.

The unions are contesting the four labour codes that replaced 29 existing laws last year. They are also advocating for the reinstatement of MGNREGA and the repeal of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.