Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12 (UNI) Kerala came to a near standstill on Thursday as the 24-hour nationwide general strike called by central trade unions against the Centre’s labour codes and other policy decisions disrupted normal life across the state.
From midnight onwards, the impact of the strike was visible in cities, towns, and rural areas, with transport services halted, shops shuttered, and offices functioning with minimal attendance.
Public transport services were among the worst affected. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses remained off the roads in most depots, while private buses, autorickshaws, and taxi services also joined the strike, leaving roads in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and other major centres largely deserted.
With transport paralysed, commuters struggled to reach workplaces, and many government offices and institutions reported poor attendance.
Banks, government offices, and several public sector establishments either remained closed or operated with skeletal staff. Many educational institutions, including schools and colleges, suspended classes in view of the disruptions. Some scheduled examinations were postponed as students found it difficult to travel.
Commercial establishments, markets, and small-scale industries across the state largely downed shutters in solidarity with the strike call. The plantation sector and sections of the industrial workforce also participated in the protest.
The disruption extended to state-run services as well, with the Karunya Plus lottery draw scheduled for February 12 postponed to the following day due to logistical constraints.
Anticipating the large-scale participation of employees, the Kerala government had declared the strike day as “dies non” for state government staff, warning that unauthorised absence would result in loss of pay.
Leave was permitted only under specific categories such as medical grounds, maternity leave, or pre-approved examinations. Authorities also directed department heads to ensure protection for employees willing to report for duty.
Despite the widespread shutdown, essential services were exempted from the strike. Hospitals, pharmacies, ambulance services, milk distribution, fire and rescue services, and newspaper circulation functioned without interruption.
Special consideration was given to pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala and participants attending the Maramon Convention, ensuring their movement was not obstructed.
The strike in Kerala received strong backing from major left-affiliated trade unions and farmer organisations, which organised demonstrations and picketing in various districts.
However, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) distanced itself from the agitation, terming it politically motivated and directing its members to continue work.
As the 24-hour protest continues, the strike has once again underscored Kerala’s history of strong trade union mobilisation, with the state witnessing one of the most comprehensive shutdowns in the country in response to the national call for protest.
