Banks Open on Sunday! Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Officers

Banks across the country are set to remain operational on Sunday, 27 September 2026, ahead of the proposed three-day industry-wide bank strike scheduled for 28, 29 and 30 September 2026. In a communication dated 25 September 2026, State Bank of India (SBI) directed its branches, offices, administrative offices, verticals and other establishments to function normally on Sunday, 27 September 2026. The bank has also specified an out-of-pocket expense of ₹2,000 for officers attending regular official duties on that day.

Banks Open on Sunday! Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Officers

SBI has issued an official communication regarding the opening of its branches and offices on Sunday, 27 September 2026. The instruction refers to the Bank’s e-Circular dated 24 September 2026 concerning the normal functioning of all branches, offices, administrative offices, verticals and other establishments on Sunday. The measure has been taken in view of the likely inconvenience to customers due to the proposed three-day strike from 28 to 30 September 2026.

Compensatory Off for Officers

Eligible officers working on Sunday may receive Compensatory Off, subject to the conditions prescribed in the bank’s instructions.

Compensatory Off is to be provided to eligible officers.
Officers must fulfil the prescribed working-hour requirement.
The reference instructions specify a minimum of 6 hours of work for eligibility.
Compensatory Off is to be applied for first where feasible.
The concerned office will maintain attendance and duty-hour records.

Monetary Compensation in Exceptional Cases

Where granting Compensatory Off is not feasible because of official requirements, Monetary Compensation may be provided to eligible officers as per the applicable instructions.

Applicable in exceptional cases.
Subject to the conditions prescribed by the bank.
The prescribed monetary amount may vary according to the bank’s internal instructions.
Employees must have the required attendance and working hours.
Payment will be processed based on the relevant records.

Attendance and Duty Hours

Banks have instructed the concerned branches and offices to maintain proper attendance and duty-hour records for employees working on Sunday.

Attendance: Must be properly recorded.
Duty Hours: In-time and out-time records should be maintained.
Purpose: Records will support the processing of applicable payments.
Applicability: Employees actually attending branches/offices and performing official duties.

FAQs

Why are banks opening on Sunday, 27 September 2026?

Banks are opening on Sunday, 27 September 2026, in view of the proposed three-day industry-wide strike scheduled from 28 to 30 September 2026.

Will officers get out-of-pocket expenses for working on Sunday?

Yes, eligible officers attending regular official duties on 27 September 2026 will receive out-of-pocket expenses according to the applicable instructions of their respective bank.

How much out-of-pocket expense has SBI announced for officers?

As per the SBI communication shown, officers performing regular official duties on 27 September 2026 will be eligible for ₹2,000 as out-of-pocket expenses, subject to the bank's instructions.

How many hours must officers work for Compensatory Off or Monetary Compensation?

The Bank of India communication specifies that officers must have worked for a minimum of 6 hours on 27 September 2026 to qualify for Compensatory Off or Monetary Compensation.

Is Monetary Compensation available to officers?

Yes, Monetary Compensation may be provided in exceptional cases where granting Compensatory Off is not feasible because of official requirements, subject to the applicable instructions.

Will award staff receive overtime payment for Sunday duty?

Yes, award staff working on 27 September 2026 will be eligible for Overtime Allowance in accordance with the applicable Bipartite Settlement and bank instructions.

Will employees working on Sunday have their attendance recorded?

Yes, the concerned branch or office is required to maintain appropriate attendance and duty-hour records of employees working on 27 September 2026 for processing the applicable payment.