5 Days Banking Week Latest News: IBA Forms High-Level Committee on All Saturdays Holiday

The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has taken a fresh step towards discussions on the implementation of a 5-day banking week. As per the official communication, the IBA has constituted a High-Level Committee to hold discussions on the implementation of 5-day banking, including the proposal for holidays on all Saturdays. The committee has been constituted following the meeting of the IBA Negotiating Committee with UFBU/BKSM held on 27 September, 2026. The committee includes senior representatives from the IBA and various bank employee organisations.

5 Days Banking Week Latest News 2026

The demand for a 5-day banking week has received a fresh development with the constitution of a High-Level Committee by the Indian Banks’ Association. The committee will hold discussions on the issue of implementing a five-day working week in the banking sector.

• The official IBA communication states that the committee was formed as agreed during the 27 September, 2026 meeting of the IBA Negotiating Committee with UFBU/BKSM.
• The development is important because the proposal relates to making all Saturdays holidays for banks, thereby moving towards a five-day banking week.
• However, the formation of the committee should not be treated as the final implementation of the five-day banking system. Further discussions and decisions are required before any change in the existing banking schedule.

IBA High-Level Committee for 5-Day Banking

The High-Level Committee consists of representatives from the IBA and United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The committee will discuss the issue of implementing 5-day banking.

IBA Representatives

The following members have been nominated to represent the Indian Banks’ Association:

UFBU Representatives in 5-Day Banking Committee

Seven representatives have been nominated from the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).

What Is the 5-Day Banking Week Proposal?

The 5-day banking week proposal seeks to make all Saturdays holidays for banks, along with Sundays. At present, the banking system has holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays, while other Saturdays are generally working days.

The newly formed High-Level Committee will discuss the issue of implementing the five-day banking system. The outcome of these discussions will determine the further course of action.

Has 5-Day Banking Been Implemented?

No, 5-day banking has not been implemented yet. The latest development is the formation of a High-Level Committee to discuss the issue. The official communication does not announce that all Saturdays have already been declared bank holidays.

Therefore, customers and bank employees should continue to follow the existing bank working and holiday schedule until an official decision regarding implementation is announced.

Why Is the 5-Day Banking Week Issue Important?

A five-day banking week would change the present working arrangement by providing holidays on every Saturday. The issue has been under discussion between the banking management and employee organisations. The constitution of the High-Level Committee provides a formal platform for representatives of the IBA and UFBU to discuss the implementation of the proposal. The committee will now deliberate on the issue and discuss the way forward for implementing 5-day banking.

What Happens Next for 5-Day Banking?

• The newly constituted committee will hold discussions on the implementation of the five-day banking system. The proposal concerning all Saturdays as holidays will be considered during these discussions.
• Any final change in bank working days will come only after the necessary discussions and official decisions. Until then, there is no change in the current Saturday working arrangement.