Meghalaya banks face growing opposition over the Centre’s decision to keep public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks open on Sunday, September 27. Several social organisations have objected to the move, citing the religious and social importance of Sunday in the state.
The Ministry of Finance directed public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks to operate normally on September 27. The government said the decision aims to prevent a prolonged disruption caused by a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30.
Meghalaya banks to open ahead of strike
The Centre announced the Sunday banking arrangement on September 23. According to the Ministry of Finance, the decision followed concerns that the September 26-27 weekend, combined with the proposed strike, could disrupt banking services for several consecutive days.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on September 27. The ministry said the measure would help customers complete essential transactions before the proposed strike begins.
The proposed strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions covers September 28 to 30. Bank unions have raised several demands, including a five-day banking week. The government has also urged unions to defer the strike and continue discussions.
Meghalaya banks draw CoMSO opposition
The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has strongly opposed the Centre’s decision. The organisation said it understands the need to maintain banking services but argued that authorities should consider Meghalaya’s distinct social and religious practices.
CoMSO general secretary Balkarin Ch. Marak said Sunday holds an important place in the state’s religious, family and community life. The organisation also questioned the absence of state-specific consultation before the order was issued.
Moreover, CoMSO said authorities could have considered alternatives. These include extending banking hours before or after the strike, strengthening digital banking and ATM services, and making limited arrangements for emergencies.
Meghalaya banks face further pressure
Another group, the Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP), has also opposed Sunday banking. The organisation urged the Ministry of Finance, RBI and Meghalaya government to review the order.
FKJGP general secretary Eldie Newton Lyngdoh said Sunday has particular religious significance for Christians in Meghalaya. The federation also questioned the decision-making process and called for consultation with the state government, religious groups and bank employees.
The group warned that it could take further steps if authorities do not withdraw or reconsider the directive. That warning adds pressure on banks and authorities as September 27 approaches.
Why Meghalaya banks became a flashpoint
The dispute centres on a clash between two immediate concerns. On one side, the Centre wants to reduce the impact of the proposed nationwide strike and protect access to banking services. On the other, Meghalaya organisations want authorities to account for the state’s established Sunday observance.
The Finance Ministry has framed the decision around customer convenience. It said keeping banks open on September 27 would help prevent banking needs from being affected for an extended period.
However, social organisations argue that authorities can protect banking access without requiring regular Sunday operations. They have therefore called for measures that address both service continuity and local practices.
Meghalaya banks await Sunday decision
The immediate focus now remains on how banks and employees will respond to the September 27 directive. The Centre has authorised public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks to function normally, while groups in Meghalaya continue to demand a review.
Meanwhile, the proposed bank strike from September 28 to 30 remains the wider backdrop to the dispute. Customers may therefore face changes to branch services around the end of the month, even as digital banking channels continue to provide alternatives.
For Meghalaya, the issue has moved beyond a routine banking arrangement. It has opened a wider discussion about how national administrative decisions should account for the state’s religious and social practices while maintaining essential public services.
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