Bank Customers Alert.. Banking Services May Be Hit for 5 Days

Banking services across public sector banks are likely to be affected as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a nationwide three-day strike from September 28 to 30. With September 26 being the fourth Saturday and September 27 a Sunday, bank branches are expected to remain closed for five consecutive days. The impact could be significant as September 30 marks the half-yearly closing. Against this backdrop, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) held an urgent review meeting with bank managements to discuss preparations. Banks have been advised to ensure adequate cash availability at ATMs and automated deposit machines, particularly in rural areas through Business Correspondent centres and Customer Service Points.

The unions are seeking implementation of a five-day workweek and have also raised objections to the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) being restricted to Scale-IV and above officers. Meanwhile, public sector banks have assured customers that digital services such as UPI, net banking, mobile banking and ATM transactions will continue to be available. However, services including cheque deposits, clearing, demand drafts and large cash withdrawals may be affected due to branch closures. Customers have therefore been advised to complete urgent branch-related transactions by September 25 to avoid inconvenience.