Ahmedabad: Banking operations across Gujarat are expected to come to a halt on Wednesday as over 20,000 employees from nationalised and select private sector banks participate in the one-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions. The shutdown of public sector banks is estimated to affect financial transactions worth ₹15,000 crore in the state.

The strike is expected to disrupt cash transactions, cheque clearances, and customer services at both public and private sector branches. According to the Maha Gujarat Bank Employees’ Association (MGBEA), the protest is against the central government’s “anti-worker” labour reforms and “anti-people” economic policies.

Employees from 3,678 branches of nationalised banks (excluding SBI) across Gujarat are expected to join the strike. Staff from private banks like Federal Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, and IDBI Bank have also extended their support.

The bandh has been called by a joint platform of 10 central trade unions, supported by farmers’ and rural workers’ organisations. The protest is aimed at opposing what organisers call the Central government’s pro-corporate and anti-worker policies. DeshGujarat