Bank strike on Jan 27: Services likely to be hit nationwide, customers advised to plan ahead

Bank employees have called for a nationwide strike on January 27 demanding a permanent five-day work week, raising concerns over disruption of key banking services for the fourth consecutive day.

Customers planning important banking work should take note. Banking services across the country are likely to be disrupted on Monday, January 27, as bank employees have called for a nationwide strike to press for the fulfilment of their long-pending demands.

The primary demand behind the strike is the introduction of a permanent five-day work week. Bank staff unions are seeking a reduction in the current six-day working schedule, insisting that a five-day work system be formally implemented across banks.

The timing of the strike is expected to have a wider impact on customers. Banks have already remained closed for the past three days due to consecutive holidays, and the strike on January 27 will effectively result in four continuous days of disrupted banking operations. This is likely to affect routine and urgent financial transactions for individuals and businesses alike.

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With bank branches expected to remain shut, several essential in-branch services will not be available. These include cash withdrawals from bank counters, cheque clearance processes, issuance of demand drafts, and services related to opening new accounts or updating KYC details.

However, customers can find some relief as digital banking services will continue to function normally. Mobile banking apps, net banking platforms, and UPI-based payments such as PhonePe and Google Pay will remain operational. ATM services are also expected to be available, though officials caution that cash shortages at some ATMs cannot be ruled out due to the prolonged closure of branches.

Bank customers are advised to avoid visiting bank branches and instead rely on digital payment and transfer options for urgent needs.