A perfect storm of holidays and protests is forcing Bihar’s banks to shutter for four straight days from January 24 to 27, creating headaches for millions of customers. With no branches open, routine banking could face severe delays, prompting warnings to withdraw cash early.
January 24 marks the fourth Saturday off, January 25 is Sunday, January 26 celebrates Republic Day, and January 27 brings a pan-India strike by bank unions. This rare convergence disrupts normalcy in a state where cash remains king for many.
The strike stems from frustrations over work conditions. Led by UFBU, unions push for a five-day banking week, citing health and efficiency concerns. Protests have gained momentum in Patna and other districts, drawing participation from government and private banks alike. Negotiations have stalled, making the action inevitable.
Ordinary citizens will bear the brunt: delayed payments, empty ATMs, and stalled paperwork. While apps and online platforms offer some relief, cash shortages loom large. Financial advisors recommend preemptive withdrawals and digital backups. As branches resume on January 28, the hope is for minimal long-term fallout from this turbulent period.