Bhubaneswar, Feb. 12 -- A nationwide shutdown is being observed on Thursday following a 12-hour bandh call given by more than 10 labour organisations in protest against the Centre's labour policies.

The shutdown, is being enforced from 6 am to 6 pm, affected normal life in several parts of Odisha, with political support extended by both the Congress and the BJD.

Shops and markets, schools and colleges, factories, banks and government offices were being shut in many areas at the time of reporting. Bus services faced direct disruption, and vehicular movement started to be severely affected on key routes.

Major trade unions including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS and UTUC joined the bandh. More than 50 organisations across the country, includin...