A major change is being discussed in the banking sector that could impact crores of customers across the country. According to the latest proposal under review, banks may soon shift to a five-day working week, meaning all banks would remain closed on every Saturday and Sunday. This move aims to modernize banking operations, improve employee productivity, and align India’s banking schedule with global standards.
Why Banks May Shift to a 5-Day Work Week
Bank employee unions have been demanding a five-day work week for several years. Recently, the proposal gained strong momentum after favourable internal discussions between the Indian Banks’ Association and employee bodies. The idea is to reduce burnout, improve service quality during working days, and push customers to use digital banking more regularly.
What Will Change for Customers
Once the rule is implemented, banks will operate only from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays and Sundays will be full holidays. However, digital services including UPI, mobile banking, internet banking, ATM withdrawals and online payments will continue as usual. Customers who depend on branch visits will need to plan cash deposits, cheque clearance and in-person services accordingly.
Proposed Start Date
While no official notification has been released yet, sources indicate that the new rule is expected to be implemented early next year. The exact date will be announced once the Reserve Bank of India and the Finance Ministry formally approve the revised banking schedule.
Why This Move Benefits Everyone
Bank employees will have improved work-life balance, which is expected to reduce stress and increase efficiency during working hours. Customers will likely experience faster and more organized services on weekdays as banks shift towards digital processes. The move also aligns India with many countries that already follow a five-day banking schedule.
Conclusion
If the proposal is approved, banking operations in India will undergo a significant shift. Customers must adjust their planning, especially for in-branch services, while enjoying uninterrupted digital services throughout the week. Once the final start date is announced, the new schedule will officially mark the beginning of a modern, globally aligned banking system.