Banks open on Sunday, September 27: Why and what shuts next week

Public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, as the government takes steps to prevent disruption to banking services ahead of a three-day nationwide strike.

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called the strike from September 28 to 30. The proposed shutdown also follows the weekend holidays on September 26 and 27, which could otherwise have resulted in banking services being affected for several consecutive days.

Government asks banks to operate on Sunday

The Ministry of Finance said the decision was taken to ensure customers can complete essential banking work before the strike begins.

“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.

It added that "all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, the 27th of September, 2026."

The Reserve Bank of India has also approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on Sunday.

Why are bank employees going on strike?

The UFBU, which claims to represent 90 per cent of the banking workforce, has called the three-day strike over several demands.

The unions are primarily seeking implementation of a five-day banking week. They are also demanding improvements in pension benefits and a uniform dearness allowance formula for all pensioners.

Another demand is to give employees covered under the National Pension System an option to switch to the old pension scheme.

The proposed strike comes after a one-day bank strike held on September 11.

September 30 also marks half-yearly closing

The timing of the strike could create additional inconvenience for customers as September 30 is also the half-yearly closing date for banks.

The government and bank managements have appealed to unions to defer the strike and said measures have been taken to keep essential services running.

"The Department reiterates that the welfare and convenience of bank customers remains the Government's foremost priority. The Government and bank managements have appealed to unions to defer the proposed strike, and have also taken measures to ensure that essential banking services continue un-interrupted," the statement read.

Some banks have also reportedly advised customers to complete important transactions in advance.