For Delhi residents, the proposed "Desh Bachao Morcha" by farmers from Punjab has raised fears about daily life for students, parents, and office-goers living in Delhi. Tens of thousands of farmers will travel to Kisan Ghat in Delhi in the coming days, and many of them will join tractor convoys to raise their concerns about the proposed India–US trade deal and how it will affect the agricultural sector of India.
A common question that is being asked in advance of the march is whether schools and colleges in Delhi will remain open or if classes could be disrupted along with the large-scale demonstration.
No official order to close schools or colleges
So far, no official notification from the Delhi Government, Directorate of Education, or any other competent authority ordering the closure of schools or colleges because of the farmers' march has been given. Educational institutions in the national capital will continue as they normally do until a new advisory is given.
Parents and students are advised not to rely on unverified social media posts or rumors that educational institutions have been shut. Any decision to close will be made with official government notifications or in the classrooms and colleges directly.
Traffic disruptions are more likely to happen than school closures.
Though schools and colleges will be open, commuters will be stuck in traffic congestion in several places in Delhi and at entry points to other states. Since the protest will attract heavy numbers of tractors and supporting vehicles, Delhi Traffic Police could also make road diversions and temporary road restrictions to control traffic.
Travel delays may especially affect:
- School buses
- College buses
- Private vehicles
- Public buses
- Cabs and taxis
- Commercial transport
Students who travel from the NCR region (Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, Sonipat, Bahadurgarh, or other places) may have to leave earlier than usual if their routes pass through affected corridors.
Why are farmers protesting?
The farmers’ organizations in the ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’ claim that current India-US trade talks will adversely affect Indian agriculture if it is allowed to access imported agricultural products. They have called for greater transparency in trade talks and for the government to protect the interests of farmers before signing any agreement.
But the central government has not confirmed the existence of any "secret" India-US trade deal, and the details of the ongoing trade negotiations have not been publicly finalized. Government officials have made it clear in past talks that India's interests in agriculture are still at the center of all trade talks while pursuing international trade partnerships.
The Delhi authorities are prepared for crowd management.
Police will need to deploy additional personnel at key points to control traffic and to ensure public safety. Depending on the amount of participation in the program, the authorities will issue real-time traffic advisories, reroute vehicles, and control entry into certain areas of the city in real time.
Residents are advised to follow Delhi Traffic Police and other government agencies' updates before starting their journey. Navigation apps can also be indicative of live diversions and congestion during the protest.
What would be the advice for students and parents?
Still, educational institutions will be operating normally, but students and parents should take a few precautions:
Start early with the Delhi to NCR commute. Look for any local news from school or college. Check for traffic advisories before leaving home. If the major roads are busy, take other routes. Do not believe anything that you read on social media.
If traffic conditions make a significant impact on attendance or transportation, educational providers may issue their own advisories if traffic conditions are particularly pressing, but those advisories are generally guided by local context and not citywide directives.
The metro services will run normally.
There is no indication that Delhi Metro services will be suspended as a result of the farmers’ protest so far. Metro Rail remains one of the most reliable transportation options during major public events and demonstrations, although security arrangements at some stations could be enhanced if necessary.
Current Situation
The authorities are more concerned with traffic management and public order than with curbing all the educational institutions. Schools and colleges shall remain open unless things change substantially.
Residents will need to keep track of any notifications and monitor for these notifications, especially when they will likely be going to the protest route. Traffic advisories will be altered as the procession moves and the size of the procession changes as well.
There has been no official announcement so far about the closure of schools or colleges due to the Punjab farmers’ “Desh Bachao Morcha” march. The most likely impact is on road traffic, and commuters should plan their journey carefully and be kept updated on government and traffic police channels.
