In today’s era, the culture of working five days a week is being adopted rapidly to increase the better balance at the workplace and the efficiency of the employees. This system has already been implemented in IT, corporate and many government departments. Now this demand is also gaining momentum in the banking sector. The question is, will all banks of the country also have a holiday every Saturday? Is 5 -day week going to implement in the banking sector too?
How is the banks’ holiday arrangements at present?
Currently, the public sector banks of the country remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, while banking services are operational on the first, third and fifth Saturdays. All banks remain closed on Sunday. But now every Saturday a holiday is being demanded and a proposal in this regard has reached the government.
Proposal of bank unions
The All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) and the Indian Banks Association (IBA) have jointly sent a proposal to the government. It has demanded that all the banks be closed on Saturday, so that the employees can get better work balance and mental comfort.
These organizations say that two days a week will increase the productivity of employees and there will be a better environment in their field. It was also said that banking service can be effectively provided through digital medium, due to which customers will not have to face any inconvenience.
The issue raised in parliament
MP KC Venugopal asked several questions to the Finance Ministry in Parliament regarding this proposal. He wanted to know whether the government is considering this proposal or not, and if yes, what is a possible timeline to implement it?
In response, the Finance Ministry said that the proposal has reached the government and it is being considered, but no final decision has been taken yet.
2015 example
It is worth noting that in the year 2015, under the 10th bilateral agreement, the government declared the second and fourth Saturdays of the month as a public holiday. Now the new proposal is also going through the same process, and consent between the government and the bank unions is necessary for its implementation.
Is there a shortage of staff in banks?
According to data up to 31 March 2025, about 96% of the posts are posted in public sector banks. According to the Finance Ministry, a shortage of little staff is seen only due to retirement and sudden resignations. Apart from this, banks make new recruitments through their boards and management, so that there is no disruption in service.
Expectations of bank employees
Expectations among banking employees have increased regarding this proposal. They believe that getting two days off a week will improve mental health and family life. Also, more energy and focus towards work will be seen.
What will be the effect on the common people?
If the government approves this proposal, banks across the country will open only from Monday to Friday in the week. In such a situation, the common people will have to plan the essential works related to the bank in advance. However, due to the boom in digital banking services, many services such as fund transfer, check book order, statement download etc. will continue without any interruption.
