The Centre has advanced September salary and pension payments for central government employees and asked banks to open on Sunday, September 27, ahead of a proposed nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30. The measures are intended to reduce disruption during a period that also includes the weekend and the half-yearly closing of banks.
The United Forum of Bank Unions has called the three-day strike over demands that include a five-day banking week and uniform pension provisions across the banking sector. The UFBU claims to represent around 90 per cent of the banking workforce.
According to an office memorandum issued by the Controller General of Accounts, September salaries and wages for central government employees may be drawn and paid on Friday, September 25, instead of the normal schedule. The arrangement includes employees in Defence, Posts and Telecommunications.
September pensions for central government pensioners may also be released on September 25. The advance payment will be treated as an early disbursement, with any adjustment required after the full month’s salary, wages or pension is determined to be made from the October 2026 payment.
The Finance Ministry has also advised ministries and departments to process payments and other banking transactions due towards the end of September in advance wherever possible. This is aimed at reducing the volume of essential transactions that could otherwise fall during the strike period.
Banks, including Regional Rural Banks, have been asked to keep their branches open on Sunday, September 27. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, ATM-linked branches, offices and currency chests on that day. September 26 and 27 are weekend holidays, immediately before the three-day strike.
The Sunday opening gives customers an additional opportunity to complete branch-based transactions before the proposed shutdown. Banks have begun advising customers not to wait until the last moment for essential work, particularly where digital alternatives are not available or where a transaction requires branch assistance.
Public sector banks are encouraging customers to use mobile banking, internet banking and UPI wherever possible during the disruption. ATMs and Business Correspondent points may continue to provide eligible services, while banks have been asked to maintain sufficient cash availability at ATMs through the strike period.
The measures highlight the operational dependence of government payments, household finances and everyday commerce on the banking network. Advancing salaries and pensions addresses the timing of public payments, while the Sunday opening creates a short window for customers who need physical access to bank services.
The proposed strike dates remain September 28 to 30. Customers requiring branch-based services have been advised to use the September 27 opening, while ministries, departments and banks have been instructed to complete eligible payments and maintain service availability ahead of the strike.
