Will Banks Remain Closed Every Saturday? PIB Fact Check Clarifies Viral Gazette Notification

A Gazette notification circulating on social media claiming that the Centre has declared every Saturday a public holiday for public sector banks is fake, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check Unit said on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The fake notification, dated September 30, 2026, carries notification number S.O. 4275(E) and is presented as an order issued by the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Financial Services. It claims that all Saturdays have been declared public holidays for public sector banks with immediate effect under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

The document also features an official-looking file number and the name of a purported joint secretary. However, the PIB Fact Check Unit clarified that no such notification has been issued by the Finance Ministry. Is India Post Giving Free Gifts? PIB Fact Check Exposes Fake ‘Dak Seva Gifts’ Messages.

PIB Fact Check Debunks Fake Gazette on All Saturdays Being Public Holidays for Banks

Bank Holidays: What Is the Current Rule?

Under the existing arrangement, public sector banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. The system was introduced in 2015 under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Therefore, the viral claim that banks will now remain closed on all Saturdays does not reflect the current rule. Fake Government Job Letters Go Viral: PIB Fact Check Debunks Appointment Notices Using MoRD’s Name.

Five-Day Banking Week Demand

The fake notification comes amid an ongoing demand from bank employee unions for a five-day banking week. The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has previously submitted a proposal seeking holidays on all Saturdays.

The issue remains unresolved in 2026, with discussions between the government, IBA and bank unions continuing. Bank unions have also raised the demand as part of their broader discussions over working conditions and banking schedules.

The government has urged stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue while ensuring uninterrupted banking services.

PIB Warns Against Fake Government Notifications

The PIB Fact Check Unit has advised people to verify suspicious claims concerning the central government through official and authoritative sources before sharing them online.

For now, all Saturdays have not been declared public holidays for public sector banks. The existing arrangement of holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays remains applicable unless a genuine government notification announces a change.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).