Banks not to remain closed for five continuous days, March 31 will be working day

While speculations had been rife that a string of bank holidays are lined up till April 2 starting from March 29, the latest media reports, surfaced on the internet suggest something contradictory to the news.

"Banks will work on March 31 (Saturday) and there are no continuous holidays as per messages on social media," IANS quoted D Thomas Franco Rajendra Dev, General Secretary of All India Bank Officers Confederation.

However, banks will remain closed on Thursday and Friday on the occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti and Good Friday respectively.

Since March 31 is the fifth Saturday of the month, bank employees will be working full time, unlike every second and fourth Saturdays. ATMs are likely to function smoothly as maintenance of ATMs are controlled by third parties.

On April 2, banks will be shut for the annual closing of accounts.

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Earlier, there were reports that banks across the country will remain closed for 5 consecutive days, which could affect the financial transactions of many. Customers were even advised to plan their banking accordingly to avoid inconveniences. It was also said that the ATMs would soon run out of cash.

Another report, fuelled by WhatsApp forwards suggested that some primary and government banking branches will remain open on March 31 but will not conduct any public dealings.