Use Police, Provide Banking! Finance Ministry writes Letter to State Secretaries on Bank Strike

The Ministry of Finance has written a letter to all the state secretaries to use police if needed and provide banking services to all the citizens across India. United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has given a notice for a one-day strike by bank employees on 27 January 2026 in support of their demand for 5-day banking.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has issued an advisory dated 22.01.2026 to the Chairman, State Bank of India and the Managing Directors & Chief Executive Officers of all Nationalised Banks, outlining a series of preparatory and contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted banking services and to minimise inconvenience to the general public.

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An urgent meeting was held on 26.01.2026 under the chairpersonship of the Secretary, Department of Financial Services, with the Chairman, State Bank of India, Managing Directors & Chief Executive Officers of Nationalised Banks, and the Chief Executive, Indian Banks’ Association. In the meeting, banks were advised to take all necessary steps to ensure the smooth functioning of banking operations, especially in respect of customer services, digital channels, clearing and settlement systems, government business, and the delivery of banking services through business correspondents.

Banks said that ATMs are being adequately loaded with sufficient cash, and arrangements have been made to ensure timely replenishment. While the operation of bank branches may be slightly impacted due to the strike, it has been assured that digital banking services, including internet banking, mobile banking and other electronic payment channels, will remain available seamlessly, so that the public are not inconvenienced and essential banking services continue smoothly.

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The Ministry of Finance has asked state secretaries to provide necessary assistance to banks in their State / UT, particularly in terms of:

• maintaining law and order around bank branches and offices;
• preventing any disruption to banking operations;
• facilitating coordination between banks and local police / administration, wherever required; and
• taking swift action against persons causing damage to bank property or threatening bank officers / staff on duty.