State lenders waive ATM fees ahead of upcoming strike
State Bank of India (SBI) and multiple public sector lenders have temporarily removed cash withdrawal fees to support retail customers during the upcoming September bank strike. Scheduled from September 28 to September 30, this coordinated walkout organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) prompted immediate regulatory action to secure uninterrupted financial access. This PSU bank ATM charge waiver, alongside SBI free ATM transactions, ensures account holders can use any terminal across India without incurring standard costs for these specific three days.
📲Follow our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news, breaking updates, and important headlines. Stay connected with us for more updates!
Sunday operations mandated for essential services
Finance Ministry officials implemented proactive steps to minimize economic disruption across the country. They directed all public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to remain fully operational on Sunday, September 27. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted explicit approval for branches, ATM-linked offices, and currency chests to function normally over the weekend. This strategic regulatory move allows citizens to complete mandatory physical banking requirements before union members begin their protest. The UFBU initiated this specific agitation to press for a five-day banking week and early resolution of long-standing pension disputes. Historically, Indian banking unions have utilized multi-day strikes to leverage policy negotiations, though regulators now increasingly rely on robust digital infrastructure to cushion the economic impact on the general public.
Digital payment systems remain unaffected
Customers relying on digital banking services will not face service interruptions during this period. Core digital platforms including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), and Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) will operate securely throughout the entire protest window. Internet banking, mobile applications, and automated WhatsApp self-service platforms will also function as usual without downtime. Financial officials advise citizens to finalize their physical document submissions before Monday and transition entirely to digital alternatives for routine cash transfers to avoid unnecessary delays.
Also Read: 250 patients, One doctor: BMC hospital’s medicine department faces staff crisis
