Central government employees will get their September salaries, wages and pensions in advance ahead of a proposed bank strike, the finance ministry said on Wednesday.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which claims to represent around 90% of the banking workforce, has called a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30. The unions are seeking a five-day banking week among other demands.
September 30 also marks the half-yearly closing of the banking sector. According to an office memorandum issued by the Controller General of Accounts under the finance ministry, the salaries and wages of all Central government employees may be drawn and disbursed on September 25.
Deep Dive
Why are central government employees receiving their salaries early this month?
What are the demands of the bank unions participating in the upcoming strike?
How is the government ensuring banking services during the strike period?
ALSO READ | Bank unions announce 3-day strike from Sept 28, demand 5-day work week
The instruction covers Central government offices, including Defence, Posts and Telecommunications. The September wages of industrial employees of the Central government may also be paid in advance on September 25, the memorandum said.
Pensions for September 2026 of all Central government pensioners may also be disbursed by banks and Pay and Accounts Offices (PAOs) on the same day.
The ministry said the payments would be treated as advance payments. Any adjustment required after the full month's salary, wages or pension is determined will be made from the October 2026 payment.
{{/usCountry}}The ministry said the payments would be treated as advance payments. Any adjustment required after the full month's salary, wages or pension is determined will be made from the October 2026 payment.
{{/usCountry}}ALSO READ | Govt says banks will remain open this Sunday ahead of three-day nationwide strike
Payments may be processed early
The finance ministry has also asked departments to process payments and other banking transactions scheduled towards the end of September in advance, wherever feasible.
This is aimed at avoiding delays and disruptions during the proposed strike, particularly because the strike period coincides with the closing days of the current quarter.
The concerned ministries and departments have been asked to circulate the instructions to their offices immediately. The Reserve Bank of India has also been requested to communicate the instructions to the paying branches of banks.
ALSO READ | Bank strike September 28-30: SBI advises customers to complete work in advance, check available services
Banks asked to remain open on Sunday
The finance ministry has also directed all banks, including Regional Rural Banks, to remain open on Sunday to facilitate customers ahead of the proposed strike.
Several public sector banks have issued advisories asking customers to use digital banking services such as mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, Business Correspondent (BC) points and UPI for their banking needs if the strike goes ahead.
Banks have also advised customers to complete essential transactions before the proposed strike dates to avoid inconvenience.