Banking Services Paralyzed Across Ludhiana District
Banking operations across Ludhiana district experienced a near-total shutdown on Tuesday as thousands of employees participated in a nationwide strike organized by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). The industrial action has created significant disruptions in financial services, compounding existing backlogs that had already accumulated due to recent holidays.
Extended Banking Disruption Frustrates Residents
The timing of the strike has proven particularly challenging for Ludhiana residents, coming immediately after a series of bank holidays. The city had already observed closures for Basant Panchami, the fourth Saturday of the month, Sunday, and Republic Day celebrations. This consecutive disruption means many residents have now faced five consecutive days without access to in-person banking services, creating substantial inconvenience for both individuals and businesses.
Core Demand: Alignment with Government Work Schedule
At the heart of the protest lies a persistent demand for a Monday-to-Friday work schedule that would align bank operating hours with other government departments and financial institutions. "We have been consistently advocating for our right to a five-day work week, similar to what district administrative offices and municipal corporations already enjoy," explained Naresh Gaur, convener of the UFBU's Ludhiana unit. "Despite the central government's commitment to this reform in 2024, there has been absolutely no progress. This strike became our only viable option to voice our legitimate concerns."
Implementation Delays Despite Recommendations
Banking unions highlight that while the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) formally recommended the five-day work week in March 2024, the necessary government notification to implement this change remains pending. To address potential concerns about reduced operational hours, employees have already agreed to extend daily working hours by 40 minutes from Monday through Friday. Protesters emphasized that numerous other financial institutions—including the Reserve Bank of India (RIC), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), stock exchanges, and most state and central government offices—already follow a five-day schedule.
Massive Protest Rally in Ludhiana
In Ludhiana, the protest reached its peak with a substantial rally organized in front of the Canara Bank branch at Bharat Nagar Chowk. Union leaders representing various banking sectors addressed the gathered crowd, consistently emphasizing that "a well-rested banker ultimately serves the nation more effectively." The widespread disruption has generated considerable frustration among local residents and business owners who depend on regular banking services.
"I have been attempting to open an urgent business account since Friday," shared Harpreet, a local resident. "To discover the bank gates still firmly locked on Tuesday morning was both shocking and deeply inconvenient for my business operations."
Digital Services Remain Operational
While traditional branch-level services—including cash deposits and cheque clearances—were completely halted during the strike, digital banking platforms continued to function. Services such as UPI transactions and mobile banking remained accessible to customers. However, some residents reported localized cash shortages at ATMs, likely resulting from the extended period of bank closures preventing normal cash replenishment cycles.
The nationwide banking strike has thus created a complex situation in Ludhiana, where digital alternatives provide some relief but cannot fully substitute for essential in-person banking services that many residents and businesses urgently require.
