New Delhi: Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) will remain open on Sunday, September 27, a day before the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30, the Finance Ministry said on Thursday.
The move has been taken to minimise disruption to the banking needs of the public amid the proposed strike by bank employees. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the opening of bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests on September 27.
Public Sector Banks, RRBs to Function Normally
According to the Finance Ministry, all public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday.
The decision comes ahead of the proposed strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30. The strike follows the preceding weekend holidays on September 26 and 27, which could otherwise have resulted in banking services being affected for five consecutive days.
The government said the decision to keep banks open on Sunday is aimed at reducing disruption to economic activity and ensuring that customers can access essential banking services.
Bank Unions Demand Five-Day Banking Week
The UFBU and some other unions representing public sector bank and Regional Rural Bank employees have called the strike in support of several demands, including implementation of a five-day banking week and withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
At present, bank employees get two Saturdays off each month. The unions are seeking holidays on all Saturdays, along with Sundays.
The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike and continue discussions to resolve the outstanding issues.
Government Says PLI Demand Already Addressed
The Finance Ministry said the government has already taken action on one of the unions’ two main demands by deciding to keep the PLI scheme in abeyance.
The government said the decision was taken after detailed discussions and after considering concerns raised by bank employees and unions.
The Finance Ministry said the remaining demand continues to be examined and urged bank employees to avoid the strike, resolve issues through dialogue and ensure uninterrupted banking services.
The government said the welfare and convenience of bank customers remain a priority and that steps are being taken to ensure essential banking services continue during the period surrounding the proposed strike.