In a move aimed at preventing disruption to banking services, all Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) will remain operational on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The decision comes ahead of the three-day nationwide bank strike proposed by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30.
The proposed strike, when combined with the preceding weekend holidays on September 26 and 27, could have resulted in a prolonged interruption in regular banking operations. To minimise inconvenience to customers and ensure continued access to essential financial services, the government has taken measures to keep banking facilities available on September 27.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the operation of bank branches and other critical banking infrastructure on the Sunday. Accordingly, Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on September 27, providing customers with an opportunity to complete essential banking transactions before the proposed strike period.
The RBI‘s approval covers bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests. These establishments have been permitted to remain fully operational on September 27. The arrangement is intended to strengthen the availability of banking services and reduce the impact that a continuous closure period could otherwise have on individuals, businesses and other customers.
The proposed strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions, an umbrella organisation representing various bank employees’ and officers’ unions. The industrial action is scheduled for three days, from September 28 to September 30. With September 26 and 27 falling immediately before the proposed strike, customers could otherwise face difficulties in accessing branch-based services over five consecutive days.
The decision to open PSBs and RRBs on September 27 is therefore expected to provide an additional window for customers to undertake important banking activities. Customers who require branch-based services have been advised to make use of the additional working day and plan their transactions accordingly.
The government has emphasised that the interests and convenience of bank customers remain a key priority. Alongside arranging banking operations on September 27, the government and bank managements have appealed to the concerned unions to reconsider and defer the proposed strike.
The authorities have also highlighted the need to maintain uninterrupted access to essential banking services. The measures announced for September 27 are part of these efforts and are intended to ensure that customers are not disproportionately affected by the extended period of possible disruption.
The operational arrangements will also be significant for rural customers who depend on Regional Rural Banks for a range of financial services. Keeping RRBs open on September 27 will provide customers in rural and semi-urban areas with an additional opportunity to access banking facilities before the proposed strike begins.
Similarly, the continued functioning of Currency Chests is expected to support the availability and management of cash within the banking system. The inclusion of ATM-linked branches and offices in the RBI-approved arrangement is aimed at maintaining the broader operational network required for banking services.
Customers are encouraged to complete time-sensitive branch transactions on or before September 27 wherever possible, particularly if such services may not be available during the proposed strike period.
The government has reiterated that efforts are being made to balance the concerns of bank employees with the need to protect the interests of customers and ensure continuity of essential financial services. The appeal to unions to defer the strike remains part of these efforts.
With PSBs and RRBs scheduled to operate normally on September 27, customers will have an additional working day immediately before the proposed three-day strike. The arrangement is expected to help reduce inconvenience and support the continued availability of banking services during the period.
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Author: Shivam
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