Farmers' Protest: 'Bharat Bandh' observed today 

More than 40 farmer unions are participating in the strike.

The farmers' representatives have said 'chakka jam' will be performed from 11 am to 3 pm.

Centre issues advisory:

The Centre on Monday issued a nationwide advisory ahead of the 'Bharat Bandh'.
 
In its advisory, the Union Home Ministry has asked all the States and Union Territories to tighten security during the Bharat Bandh and directed them to maintain peace and tranquility on Tuesday.

The States' administration have also been asked to deploy additional security forces at sensitive areas and places such as bus terminus, railway stations and airports and also to maintain COVID-19 guidelines of health and social distancing, the Home Ministry officials said. 

Reforms Needed For Development: Modi

Amid protest and call for Bharat Bandh by farmers over the Centre's contentious farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said reforms are needed for development and some of the old laws are a burden now.

Speaking after inaugurating construction work of Agra Metro project in Agra, PM Modi said: "To avail new benefits and developments, there is a need for reforms. We cannot build the next century with the laws of the previous century."

"Laws which were effective in the last century have now become a burden to carry forward. People often ask why are the new reforms more effective now. The reason is simple. Reforms are now being carried out in a wholesome manner rather than in a piecemeal manner," he said.

PM Modi's pitch for reforms on Monday has gained more significance amid the farmers' continuous protest in and around Delhi.

While the central government is in no mood to repeal the laws but to hold talks, the farmers are protesting against the farm laws in the Delhi-Haryana border with their sole demand of the repeal of the laws, which was initially passed through an Ordinance by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government amid the Covid-19 pandemic earlier this year.