A recent news report by Lokmat Times has sparked speculation that Indian banks will switch to a 5-day workweek starting from April 2025, citing a new regulation allegedly issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to the report, banks would remain closed on all Saturdays and Sundays, following the same schedule as government offices. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has debunked this claim as “fake news”, stating that the RBI has not issued any official notification on this matter.
There have been discussions between the RBI and the Indian Banking Association (IBA) regarding a 5-day workweek for banks, which would better balance employees’ professional and personal lives. However, the current guidelines allow for banks to be closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, while remaining open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays.
The possibility of a 5-day workweek for banks is uncertain, as the RBI has not confirmed any changes. The banking unions have been advocating for a reduction in the workweek, citing global banking norms and the need for better employee welfare. While the report by Lokmat Times has sparked widespread speculation, the PIB has clarified that any changes to the banking schedule would be communicated through official channels. As of now, banks will continue to operate on the existing schedule, with Sundays remaining a non-working day.