PSU banks told to stock ATMs and keep key branches open ahead of Sept. 28-30 strike
India’s Department of Financial Services has asked public-sector banks to ensure ATM cash availability and operate key branches ahead of a three-day union strike. Retailers should prepare for possible cash-access and branch-banking constraints from Sept. 26-30, with an indefinite strike proposed from Oct. 26.
What happened
Department of Financial Services (DFS) · Government directed PSU banks to stock ATMs and keep key branches operational ahead of a Sept. 28-30 strike. The
Key facts
- Three-day strike: Sept. 28-30
- Potential five consecutive days of limited branch services: Sept. 26-30
- Indefinite strike proposed from Oct. 26
- 95.84% of officer positions filled as of July 1, 2026
- 92% of subordinate/award staff positions filled as of July 1, 2026
What changed
Government directed PSU banks to stock ATMs and keep key branches operational ahead of a Sept. 28-30 strike. The disruption could constrain branch banking for five days, affecting cash access and payment operations for Indian retailers and consumers.
Why this matters
Prepare for Sept. 26-30 cash-access disruption by increasing ATM and till-float planning, promoting digital-payment fallbacks, and scheduling essential branch-banking activity before the strike window.
What to watch
- Official confirmation, scope, and participation level of the Sept. 28-30 strike.
- ATM cash-out rates, refill-service disruptions, and bank-specific advisories from Sept. 26 onward.
- RBI, Department of Financial Services, Indian Banks' Association, and major PSU-bank branch-operating notices.
- UPI/card transaction decline rates, reversal volumes, settlement delays, and payment-provider incident alerts.
- Cheque clearing, NEFT/RTGS/branch-service exceptions and supplier complaints about payment receipt delays.