Bank Strike March 2021: Several Branches To Remain Shut For Days; Check Dates Here

Starting from Saturday, banks branches are likely to remain shut for four straight days including Monday (March 15) and Tuesday (March 16) due to the bank strike next week.

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In view of the bank unions going on a two-day strike from March 15-16 to protest against the proposed privatisation of banks, the bank branches will not be operational for at least four consecutive days including bank holidays.  

Bank branches are likely to remain open only for four days next week because of the two-day nation-wide strike called by several bank unions and other public holidays. Those who intend to visit the bank branch should plan their visit only on days when the banks are opened to avoid any inconvenience. Also Read: Bank Holidays March 2021: Alert! 11 Holidays In March, Check Full List Here

In the Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced privatisation of two public sector banks (PSBs) along with one general insurance company. The protest against the proposed privatisation has gained momentum on the social micro-blogging platform Twitter with netizens strongly opposing the move.

Even stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who was banned from flying for six months by IndiGo for allegedly heckling a TV news anchor also tweeted against the privatisation.

Here are the days banks will remain closed

Banks are likely to remain closed on Monday (March 15) and Tuesday (March 16) due to the strike next week. Starting from Saturday, banks are likely to remain shut for four straight days.

Hence those paying advance tax through branches may have to complete the task a day earlier.

March 13, 2021: Second Saturday

March 14, 2021: Sunday

March 15, 2021: Monday (bank strike)

March 16, 2021: Tuesday (bank strike)

March 21, 2021: Sunday

Who has called for the strike?

Bank unions are against the government's decision to allow all private sector lenders in government-related business. All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC), National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), Indian National Bank Employees' Federation Federation of Canara Bank Employees' Congress (INBEF), Indian National Bank Officers' Congress (INBOC), National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW), National Organisation of Bank Officers (NOBO) , All India Nationalised Bank Officers' Federation Canara Bank Officers' Association (Regd.) (AINBOF) are among the bank unions that have given a call for strike against the proposed privatization of two state-owned lenders by the government.

Last year, almost 10 public sector banks were consolidated into four and as a result, the total number of PSBs came down to 12 from 27.