Bank Strike preparations have prompted the government to keep Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) operational on Sunday, September 27, ahead of the proposed nationwide three-day strike from September 28 to 30. The Ministry of Finance said the move is aimed at ensuring that customers continue to have access to essential banking services.

Key Highlights

• Public sector and regional rural banks will open on September 27 ahead of the proposed nationwide three-day bank strike.
• RBI has approved operations at bank branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests on September 27.

Why Will Banks Open on Sunday, September 27?

Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, September 27, 2026, despite the date falling on a weekend holiday.

The decision has been taken because the proposed bank strike from September 28 to 30 comes immediately after the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27. The government said the additional working day is intended to prevent banking requirements from being affected for an extended period.

Which Bank Branches Will Remain Operational?

The RBI has approved the continued operation of all bank branches and offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests on September 27. This means the RBI-approved arrangements cover not only regular banking branches but also facilities linked to ATM operations and currency management.

The Ministry of Finance said proactive measures have been taken to safeguard customers' banking needs during the period surrounding the proposed strike.

Will ATMs and Banking Services Be Available on September 27?

The RBI approval specifically covers ATM-link branches and Currency Chests, along with bank branches and offices.

The move is intended to support the continued availability of essential banking services before the proposed strike begins. However, the government statement does not provide a separate list of individual services or digital banking facilities that will be available on the day.

Bank Strike September 28-30: What Is the Schedule?

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has proposed a countrywide bank strike from Monday, September 28, to Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The timing of the proposed strike has raised concerns about a prolonged disruption because it follows the September 26 and 27 weekend holidays. The government has therefore arranged for PSBs and RRBs to operate on Sunday, September 27.

September 26-30 Bank Service Schedule

Why Has the Government Asked Banks to Open on Sunday?

The Ministry of Finance said the decision is intended to ensure that the banking needs of citizens are not adversely affected by the combination of weekend holidays and the proposed three-day strike.

By keeping PSBs and RRBs operational on September 27, the government aims to provide customers with access to essential banking services before the proposed industrial action begins.

Also Read: Banking Operations Disrupted as Unions Strike for Five-Day Work Week

What Has the Government Said About the Proposed Bank Strike?

The Ministry of Finance said the government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike.

The ministry also said that the welfare and convenience of the customers of the banks are kept in mind and steps have been taken to maintain continuity of essential banking services during the period.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for the proposed 3-day bank strike. The strike was still being proposed as September 28-30, as the ministry said on September 23.

Could Bank Services Face Extended Disruption?

The combination of the September 26-27 weekend and the proposed September 28-30 strike could otherwise create a prolonged period of disruption for customers relying on branch-based banking services.

The Sunday opening on September 27 is therefore a specific measure designed to reduce the impact of the surrounding holidays and proposed strike. The government has also sought to maintain essential banking operations through the RBI-approved arrangements.