Indian banks open on Sunday to let customers finish work before strike

India’s Finance Ministry confirmed that all public sector banks and regional rural banks will be open on Sunday, Sept. 27, to allow customers to complete branch-dependent services before a planned strike. The United Forum of Bank Unions, claiming representation of 90 % of banking staff, intends a three-day strike from Sept. 28 to Sept. 30, primarily seeking a five-day banking week. SBI, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank have asked clients to finish cash deposits, withdrawals beyond digital limits, document submissions and other in-branch tasks before the shutdown and to rely on ATMs, internet banking, one outlet and other digital options during the strike.

The second Saturday, Sept. 26, stays a holiday, leaving Sept. 25 and the special Sunday as the only days for urgent in-person banking. The ministry warned that the strike could disrupt reconciliation, provisioning, treasury and market operations, as well as government and international transactions, especially since Sept. 30 is the half-yearly closing date for banks.