Many bank customers in the country are eager to know if banks will soon follow a five-day work week. Currently, banks are closed on all Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays.
People who work during the week often visit banks on Saturdays to complete their tasks.
If banks shift to a five-day schedule, working people may face some inconvenience, but it will benefit bank employees by reducing stress and improving work quality. The government has now shared an update on when the five-day rule might begin.
Government Shares an Update
The government has informed Parliament that a proposal for a five-day work week in banks is under review.
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has suggested that banks should remain closed on all Saturdays. The proposal is still being considered by the government.
Details of the Proposal
The All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) has demanded that banks should operate only from Monday to Friday.
They believe this will improve employee health, boost work efficiency, and raise morale. This system is already in place in many countries and in the private sector in India.
Right now, government banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays every month, and work as usual on the other Saturdays.
This system started in 2015. In Parliament, Rajya Sabha MP KC Venugopal raised this issue and asked if the delay in implementing the proposal was due to staff shortages, and what the government plans to do next.
Government’s Response
The government responded that the IBA’s suggestion is being seriously considered. It also clarified that banks hire staff based on their own needs.
As of 31 March 2025, 96% of bank posts are filled, and the remaining vacancies are mostly due to retirements or resignations.
Will It Happen Soon?
There is no official date yet for implementing a full Saturday holiday. However, it’s clear that the government and the IBA are actively reviewing the proposal.
A final decision could be made soon. If approved, bank employees will get two full days off every week.
