India, Aug. 26 -- Punjab Bandh on August 27 - Schools, Colleges and Banks Open or Closed?: Punjab is set for a major government employees' protest on Thursday, August 27, with employee and pensioner organisations planning a statewide 'Maha Hartal' over several long-pending demands. The agitation is expected to affect government departments and public-facing services, while rallies are planned in Chandigarh and at district headquarters. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is also scheduled to meet union representatives on the day of the protest.

The agitation has intensified after the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the state government on August 3 to clear pending Dearness Allowance (DA) dues within 15 days. The deadline ended on August ...