Thiruvananthapuram: The all India general strike called by trade unions began at 12 am on Wednesday. Emergency services like hospital, milk, newspaper have been exempted from the 24-hour strike.

Banking, transport and other services across the country are hit.

In Kerala, the trade unions exempted the state's tourism sector and Sabarimala pilgrimage from general strike.

KSRTC buses are not operating services. Exams of various universities have been postponed.

However, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi said that they will not take part in the strike and shops will be kept open. They have demanded police security in view of possible undesirable events.

Trade unions INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with various sectoral independent federations and associations had adopted a declaration in September last to go on the nationwide strike on January 8.

The trade unions have said around 25 crore people will participate in the nationwide strike to protest against the government's "anti-people" policies.

The central government has meanwhile asked public sector undertakings to dissuade their employees from participating in the trade union strike on Wednesday and advised them to prepare a contingency plan to ensure smooth functioning of the enterprises.

(With inputs from agencies)