New Delhi, Sep 23: In a move aimed at preventing a prolonged disruption to banking services, public sector banks and regional rural banks will operate normally on Sunday, September 27, ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide strike by bank employees.
The decision comes as the proposed strike from September 28 to 30 follows the regular weekend closures on September 26 and 27. Opening branches on Sunday is intended to give customers an additional opportunity to complete urgent banking transactions before the strike period.
The Finance Ministry said the move has been taken to ensure that the banking requirements of citizens are not affected for an extended period. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the opening of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27.
The government and bank managements have also appealed to employee unions to reconsider the proposed strike and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue. The focus, the ministry said, remains on maintaining essential banking services and minimising inconvenience to customers.
The proposed strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and other unions representing employees of public sector banks and regional rural banks. Their key demands include the introduction of a five-day banking week and withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
The government has said it has already addressed one of the two principal demands by deciding to keep the PLI scheme in abeyance following discussions with stakeholders.
With the remaining demand for a five-day banking week still under consideration, the Finance Ministry has urged bank employees to avoid industrial action and continue discussions to find a resolution.
For customers, the Sunday opening provides an important window to complete branch-based banking work before the proposed strike. People with time-sensitive transactions, cash requirements or other services requiring physical branch visits can use September 27 to avoid possible delays during the following days.
The development also highlights the importance of keeping essential financial services running even during periods of industrial action. While digital banking channels can handle many routine transactions, several customer requirements still depend on physical branch operations.
The government has reiterated that customer convenience and uninterrupted access to essential banking services remain the priority, while encouraging both management and employees to resolve the outstanding issues through continued dialogue.