A three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30 could disrupt banking services across India. The timing may create additional problems because the strike will follow the weekend and coincide with the half-yearly closing of banks.
To reduce the impact, the government has announced several measures, according to the report. First, central government employees will receive their September salaries in advance on September 25. In addition, banks, including Regional Rural Banks, will open their branches on Sunday, September 27.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called the nationwide bank strike over several demands. These include a five-day banking week and uniform pension provisions across the banking sector. The UFBU claims to represent around 90% of bank employees.
Central Government Employees to Receive Salary Early
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has asked ministries and departments to release September salaries, wages and pensions to central government employees ahead of schedule.
According to an office memorandum issued by the Controller General of Accounts, departments can draw and pay September salaries and wages on Friday, September 25, instead of following the regular payment schedule.
The decision covers central government employees working in Defence, Posts and Telecommunications, among other departments. Similarly, central government pensioners can also receive their September pension on September 25.
The government will treat the payment as an advance. Therefore, departments will make any necessary adjustment in the October 2026 salary, wage or pension payment after determining the final amount for September.
Furthermore, the government has asked departments to complete payments and other banking transactions due at the end of September in advance wherever possible.
Banks to Remain Open on Sunday Before Strike
At the same time, the government has directed all banks, including Regional Rural Banks, to keep their branches open on Sunday, September 27.
This additional banking day will give customers another opportunity to complete important transactions before the three-day bank strike begins.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, ATM-linked branches, offices and currency chests on Sunday. The Finance Ministry said the move aims to reduce disruption because September 26 and 27 fall on the weekend, followed immediately by the bank strike from September 28 to 30.
Bank Customers Should Complete Important Transactions Early
Meanwhile, banks are advising customers to complete essential transactions before the strike begins. Customers should not wait until the last moment, particularly if they need services that require a physical bank branch.
Instead, customers can use digital banking services for routine transactions. Mobile banking, internet banking and UPI will remain useful options during the strike period.
In addition, customers can use ATMs and Business Correspondent (BC) points for eligible banking services.
Banks are also preparing to maintain sufficient cash in ATMs throughout the strike. They have been asked to ensure regular cash replenishment so customers can continue accessing cash.
What Customers Should Do Before the Bank Strike
Therefore, customers who need cash should consider withdrawing it before the strike begins. Similarly, people who require branch-based services should try to complete those transactions by Sunday, September 27.
For routine payments, fund transfers and other eligible services, customers can continue using UPI, internet banking and mobile banking.
As a result, planning ahead can help customers avoid unnecessary delays during the three-day bank strike.
The government’s decision to pay central government salaries early and open bank branches on September 27 aims to reduce the impact of the September 28-30 bank strike. However, customers should still complete important banking work in advance to avoid potential inconvenience.