Shillong: Public sector and regional rural banks face a mandatory workday this Sunday, September 27. The government ordered branches to stay open ahead of a three-day national strike slated for September 28 through September 30. Officials hope the extra hours will keep money moving despite the looming walkout.
Many in Shillong reject the plan. Residents emphasize that Sunday serves as a vital day for family and worship. Titosstarwell Chyne, general secretary of the UDP, challenged the logic of physical branches opening at all. He noted that UPI, ATMs, and mobile apps handle most tasks, adding there was “no justification” for the move.
The CoMSO group also pushed back against the mandate. They suggested extending business hours on regular weekdays or improving digital and ATM access instead. They proposed handling urgent transactions through limited, specific arrangements rather than a full Sunday opening. While banks argue that some tasks like document updates or heavy cash handling still require a physical counter, most residents now manage their accounts from their pockets.
Comments