Bank customers in Bihar are in for a major disruption with banks set to remain closed for four consecutive days starting January 24. This unusual alignment of holidays and a nationwide strike means financial transactions could grind to a halt across the state. If you have any urgent banking needs, handle them immediately to avoid last-minute troubles.
The closure kicks off with the fourth Saturday holiday on January 24, followed by the weekly Sunday off on January 25. Republic Day on January 26 adds a national holiday, and the nationwide bank employees’ strike on January 27 seals the four-day shutdown. This extended break will impact everything from check clearances to cash deposits.
At the heart of the January 27 strike is the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), demanding a strict five-day workweek. Employees in key Bihar cities like Patna, Purnea, and Motihari have rallied in support, with both public and private sector workers expected to join. The unions argue that current schedules overburden staff and seek reforms long overdue.
For the public, this means potential chaos. ATMs may run dry, especially in high-traffic areas, leaving daily wage earners and travelers stranded. Digital services like UPI and net banking should remain operational, but experts urge stocking up on cash ahead of time. Major transactions should wait until banks reopen on January 28. Plan wisely to navigate this financial blackout smoothly.