Banks to remain open on Sunday, September 27 owing to three-day bank strike: Finance Ministry

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 23 (STC): In order to save the public from possible disruption in banking services ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike, the has announced that
Public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, says a Ministry of Finance notification. The decision has been taken ahead of the proposed nation-wide three-day bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions from September 28 to 30.
The proposed strike was preceded by weekly holidays on September 26 and 27, which were expected to affect banking services for several consecutive days. The ministry said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the opening of all relevant bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27, so that banking activities can continue as usual on that day.
The government’s move is aimed at providing an opportunity to customers to deal with essential banking matters before the strike and to reduce the possibility of prolonged disruption in services due to weekly holidays and the proposed strike.
According to the Finance Ministry, public sector banks and regional rural banks will function as usual on September 27. Customers will be able to avail essential services related to bank branches during this additional working day.
Meanwhile, the United Forum of Bank Unions has called for a nationwide strike on September 28, 29 and 30. Bank unions have raised various demands, including a five-day banking week. The Finance Ministry and bank management have been urged to make necessary arrangements to minimize possible public hardship due to the strike. The government has also appealed to the unions to withdraw or postpone the proposed strike.
The decision to keep banks open on September 27 will provide an additional opportunity for customers to complete essential transactions and other banking matters before the proposed strike begins.
The Finance Ministry has said that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the convenience of bank customers and the availability of essential banking services.
(Straight Talk Communications)