New Delhi: Central government employees, pensioners and industrial workers will receive their September 2026 payments in advance on September 25, as authorities prepare for possible disruption from a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike.
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which claims to represent around 90% of the banking workforce, has called the strike from September 28 to September 30, demanding a five-day banking week, among other issues.
Salary, Pension To Come Early
According to an office memorandum issued by the Controller General of Accounts under the Finance Ministry, salaries, wages and pensions for September may be drawn and disbursed on September 25.
The direction covers employees of Central government offices, including Defence, Posts and Telecommunications. Industrial employees of the Central government will also be eligible for advance wage payments.
Central government pensioners may similarly receive their September pension through banks or Pay and Accounts Offices on September 25.
Payments Treated As Advance
The government clarified that these disbursements will be treated as advance payments.
Any adjustment arising after the final monthly salary, wage or pension is calculated will be made from October 2026 payments.
Strike Clashes With Bank Closing
The proposed strike assumes additional significance because September 30 marks the half-yearly closing for banks, involving reconciliation, provisioning, treasury and market operations.
Ministries and departments have therefore been advised to process other payments and banking transactions scheduled towards September-end in advance wherever feasible.
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The Reserve Bank of India has also been requested to communicate the instructions to bank branches handling payments.
Meanwhile, banks, including Regional Rural Banks, have been directed to remain open on Sunday ahead of the proposed strike.
Several public sector banks have advised customers to complete essential transactions early and use mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, UPI and Business Correspondent points if the strike materialises.
