Finance Ministry Steps In to Safeguard Public Banking Services

In a statement, the Finance Ministry confirmed that all public‑sector banks and regional rural banks will operate as usual on Sunday, 24 September. The announcement comes in view of the United Forum of Bank Unions' (UFBU) proposal for a three‑day nationwide strike from 28 to 30 September.

The ministry noted that the weekend of 26‑27 September had already been declared a holiday, and that keeping banks open on the following Sunday would prevent a continuous five‑day disruption of banking activities. This proactive step is aimed at reducing economic turbulence that could arise from a full‑week shutdown.

The government has also appealed to bank employees to withdraw the proposed strike, emphasizing that the welfare and convenience of banking customers are paramount. As part of the outreach, the Ministry has temporarily suspended the performance‑linked incentive (PLI) scheme, meeting one of the unions' core demands.

Officials urged the unions to continue dialogue, resolve issues through negotiation, and avoid industrial action that could hamper the smooth functioning of the financial system.