Bandh in Kerala- What is shut and what is not

State run transportation service has been brought to a grinding halt. Public transportation including taxis are not plying in Kerala.

Updated: Monday, November 28, 2016, 11:49 [IST]

Kerala is the only state to face total bandh over demonetisation with the ruling government calling for a hartal. The 12-hour bandh has left many people stranded in the state.

What is shut in Kerala today?

State run transportation has been brought to a grinding halt. Public transportation including taxis and autorickshaws are not plying in Kerala. People have been forced to rely on private transportation. Shops and establishments to remain shut till 6 PM. Goods vehicles or delivery vehicles will not ply cutting off supplies to retail markets. Lack of transportation will also hit money supply for ATMs. Wholesale markets and APMC yards are shut.

[Also Read: Demonetisation: BJP organises Jan Abhaar Divas against shutdown]

Holiday has been declared to all schools and colleges in the state. Universities have postponed or rescheduled exams that were to take place on Monday. Government offices have postponed training, appointment and interview procedures for the day. Kerala Union Public Service Commission, however, is going ahead with its online exams.

What is exempted?

Marriage functions are exempted from the bandh call but are still likely to be affected since transportation has taken a hit. Milk, essential products have been exempted. Hospitals and banks will function as usual but crowds are not expected in banks due to transportation issues. Tourist vehicles are exempted with the Minister for tourism assuring that tourist won't be affected by the hartal.

Chengannur town in Alappuzha has been exempted from the hartal since it acts as temporary shelter to Sabarimala pilgrims. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala is exempted from the bandh.

[Also Read: Bharat Bandh: Lukewarm response to anti-demonetisation strike in Bengal]

The Congress in Kerala has decided to stay away from the hartal but will protest in front of Raj Bhavan to express their opposition to demonetisation move. The bandh call was given by left parties in Kerala after the PM's office turned down their request for an all party delegation to meet Prime Minister Modi.

CPI(M) led LDF as well as Congress led UDF has been critising the government's move of keeping Cooperative banks away from transactions involving new currency notes post the demonetisation announcement.

OneIndia News