Banking hours changed due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic - everything you need to know
IBA has advised banks to fix working hours from 10 am to 2 pm till May 31 and this is applicable to both public and private sector banks.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in several states, banking hours for customers have been changed. The changes in banking hours at both public and private sector banks come after direction from Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
Seeing the spike in COVID-19 cases, IBA has advised banks to fix working hours from 10 am to 2 pm. The direction will remain effective till May 31 and is applicable to both public and private banks.
Indian Banks' Association has also directed banks to provide four mandatory services - cash withdrawals, accepting deposits, government businesses, and remittance.
IBA had stated that the State Level Banking Committees of respective states and union territories will take stock of the situation and take a call on whether additional services will be allowed or not.
IBA has also directed that bank staff can be called on a rotational basis. Employees can now be allowed to work from home. IBA suggested that ideally 50% of the employees may be called to the office based on rotation.
State Bank of India (SBI) has also changed the opening and closing time of its branches amid the second wave of the COVID-19 in India.
Customers are advised to visit the bank only if necessary as the bank will be open only for four hours from 10 am to 2 pm till May 31.
SBI is observing COVID-19 protocols like social distancing and sanitisation of its premises to ensure customer and employee safety.
Wearing a face mask is mandatory for all those visiting any SBI branch across India. Customers also need to get their temperature checked at the entrance of the bank.