Cooperative banks to stay open during September 28-30 bank strike

Public sector banks are set to observe a three-day strike from September 28 to 30, directly affecting banking operations during this period. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called this nationwide three-day strike, which will keep bank branches across the country closed. The news had caused considerable confusion among people, but some relief has also emerged.

Cooperative banks will not be part of this strike and will function as usual. This includes state cooperative banks, district central cooperative banks, and primary agricultural credit societies (PACS). Cooperative bank employee organisations have made it clear that essential services at their branches, such as cash deposits and withdrawals, village-level transactions and cheque clearance, will continue without interruption.

While public sector bank branches will remain closed during the strike, ATMs and online banking services will not be affected and will continue to operate. Major cooperative banking organisations such as NAFCUB, NUCFDC and NAFSCoB have also confirmed that cooperative banks will not be part of this three-day strike and their operations will continue as usual.

The cooperative banking network includes 1,450 urban cooperative banks (UCBs), 34 state cooperative banks (STCBs) and 351 district central cooperative banks (DCCBs). These banks are spread across villages, towns and metros and primarily serve farmers, rural households, small traders, businessmen and entrepreneurs.

Regular banking services such as deposits, withdrawals and transfers will continue as usual at these banks' branches. Customers will continue to receive these services as per the rules of the respective bank branch. People holding accounts in cooperative banks need not worry about this three-day strike, as their banking work will continue without any hindrance.