Strike hits banking operations in Gujarat

Banking operations across Gujarat were badly hit today as more than 30,000 employees of various public sector banks participated in the general strike called by trade unions to protest "anti-labour policies" of the Central government.
However, strike had no effect on any other sector in the state as all other central government department functioned normally.
The Maha-Gujarat Bank Employees Association (MBEA) termed today's strike as a "total success", as clearing worth Rs 1,500 crore across the state was held up due to the strike.
However, private sector banks continued their operations normally.
"The strike was a total success, as most PSU banks in Gujarat remained closed today. More than 30,000 employees and officers of these banks stayed away from work, as a result, clearing worth Rs 1,500 crore held up across the state," said General Secretary of MBEA Janak Rawal in a statement here.

Ten central trade unions have called for a one-day nationwide strike today, protesting the "anti-worker" changes in labour laws and the Centre's "indifference" to their demands for better wages.

The call was supported by various employee unions of public sector banks across India.
Apart from banking, the strike did not leave any major impact on people's lives in the state, as various other services, such as insurance, post, road transport and Railways continued their operations without any major hurdle.
Meanwhile, city police have detained at least 150 persons, associated with various trade unions, for trying to hold a protest rally on Ashram Road during morning.

The rally was been organized under the aegis of Trade Union Centre of India(TUCI) and Gujarat Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU).
Before the rally was to commence from Paldi area, police detained 151 agitators. Those who were detained by Ellisbridge police include president of TUCI Amrish Patel.
"Police detained 151 persons from Maharana Pratap Complex near VS Hospital this morning. They have been kept at the police headquarters in Shahibaug. They will be released this evening," said, Police Station Officer of Ellisbridge.
According to Patel, police detained them without any provocation.
"We were arrested before we started our rally. We condemn such dictatorial attitude of the police, which tried to muzzle our voice of dissent. The strike call was successful across Gujarat," claimed Patel.