Why are Indian PSU Banks so obsessed with Holiday Working?

On one hand, the employees of Public Sector Banks are demanding a 5-day workweek, and on the other hand, employees are being ordered to work even on holidays.

Central Bank of India’s Regional Office in Guwahati issued an office memorandum dated October 31, 2026, directing all branches under its jurisdiction to remain open on Sunday, November 1. The order said the instruction followed directions conveyed during a video conference chaired by the bank’s Managing Director and CEO, where serious concern was expressed over the pending Re-KYC cases.

According to the memorandum, branches have been given three days, until November 3, to clear all pending cases. The bank has set a target of 100% completion and zero Re-KYC pendency within the deadline.

A separate communication dated October 31, 2026, issued by another Regional Office of Central Bank of India, also directs a Branch Head to complete pending Re-KYC cases between November 1 and November 3. It asks the branch to ensure timely completion and submit a report to the Regional Office at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after finishing the assignment.

The concern becomes more significant when employees are already demanding five-day banking. Bank unions have been pressing for a system in which banks remain closed on all Saturdays, along with Sundays, to provide employees with more predictable time off. Yet, when special drives are ordered on holidays, employees may have to sacrifice their weekly rest to complete additional work.

Clearing pending Re-KYC cases is important for banks, but employees’ need for adequate rest should also be considered. If urgent work requires holiday operations, staff scheduling, compensatory leave and reasonable workloads become important issues for management to address.

The larger question remains: If banks and their employees are demanding five-day banking to improve work-life balance, how can employees be expected to work continuously whenever business targets or deadlines arise?