Strike affects normal life in Bihar

Normal life was affected in Bihar with autorickshaw and other public vehicles off the road while banks remained closed due to the country-wide strike called by central trade unions today.
As public transport was not available, passengers, particularly alighting from trains, had a harrowing time reaching their destination.
Schools recorded thin attendance of students here while government as well private sector employees also had tough time reaching offices in the absence of proper public transport.
Reports from districts said the agitators disrupted train services in Begusarai and Jehanabad among others.
Banks remained shut as part of the strike called by central trade unions, excluding RSS-associated BMS, to protest against the Centre's "indifference" towards their demands for better wages and facilities and the "anti-worker" changes in labour laws.

Reports reaching from different parts of Bihar said banks of major cities like Patna, Munger, Bhagalpur, Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Purnea, Chapra, Arrah, Biharsharif, Katihar, Begusarai, Samastipur and Gopalganj remained closed.

Bank employees organised rallies in various parts of the state, B Prasad, President of Bank Empployees's Federation, Bihar, said in a statement.
NABARD, Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks also remained closed, he said.
In many parts of Bihar, the protesters held dharna and took out processions.