New Delhi: Public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Ministry of Finance has announced. The decision
comes ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30.
The ministry said the move was taken to ensure customers can access banking services despite the strike coinciding with the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27.
“In view of the proposed three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, 2026, coinciding with the preceding weekend holidays of September 26 and 27, the government has taken proactive steps to safeguard the banking needs of citizens,” the ministry said.
RBI approves sunday banking operations
The Reserve Bank of India has also approved the opening of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on Sunday.
The Finance Ministry said the government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike. It added that steps had been taken to keep essential banking services running without interruption.
“The Department reiterates that the welfare and convenience of bank customers remains the Government’s foremost priority,” the statement said.
Why are bank unions going on strike?
The United Forum of Bank Unions, which claims to represent around 90 per cent of the banking workforce, has called the three-day strike to press for several demands. The unions had earlier held a one-day strike on September 11.
One of their main demands is the introduction of a five-day banking week. Other demands include improvements in pension benefits, a uniform dearness allowance formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System to move to the old pension scheme.
The proposed strike will also coincide with the half-yearly closing of banks on September 30.
Some banks have reportedly advised customers to complete important transactions before the strike period to avoid possible inconvenience.
The government has said its measures are aimed at ensuring that customers continue to have access to essential banking services during the extended period of disruption.
