Government orders banks to stay open Sunday ahead of three-day strike

To prevent an extended interruption of banking services, the finance ministry declared that public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27. This decision follows the United Forum of Bank Unions' call for a nationwide strike from September 28 through 30, which would otherwise create a five-day service gap including the weekend. The Reserve Bank of India granted permission for branches, ATM-linked offices and currency chests to operate on the Sunday.

Union leaders continue to press for a five-day workweek, pension updates, a uniform dearness allowance, and the option for NPS participants to revert to the old pension scheme. The government has appealed to the unions to postpone the strike while emphasizing customer welfare as a priority.