Central Government Employees: If you are a government employee or a pensioner, this news brings welcome relief. Due to a three-day strike scheduled from September 28 to 30, the government has decided not to wait until the last day of the month for salary disbursement. Orders have been issued to release the September salary and pension in advance—on September 25—to all central government employees and pensioners, including those in the Defence, Post Office, and Telecom departments.
The Controller General of Accounts, under the Ministry of Finance, has issued instructions to all departments regarding the matter.
Additionally, to ensure convenience, public sector banks across the country will remain open on Sunday, September 27. This decision aims to shield central government employees and pensioners from potential disruptions in banking services.
Why the early salary?
The United Forum of Bank Unions has announced a nationwide three-day strike from September 28 to 30. This strike will halt banking operations. Consequently, the government has taken the step of releasing salaries and pensions in advance to ensure employees face no financial difficulties. Industrial employees will also receive their salaries in advance.
Benefit for pensioners
Pensioners receiving pensions from the central government will also get their payments early. The funds will be transferred directly to their accounts via the Pay and Accounts Office (PAO). Pensions are usually credited on the last day of the month, but this time, due to the bank strike, the payment is being made early.
Adjustment in October
This advance payment will be adjusted later. Once the monthly salary calculations are finalised, any discrepancy between the advance and the actual salary or pension due will be adjusted against the payment for the following month. The government has issued clear instructions to carry out the necessary adjustments in October.
Banks to Remain Open on Sunday
To ensure that the general public does not face continuous inconvenience or disruptions to their banking activities due to the upcoming strike, the Ministry of Finance and the RBI have decided that public sector banks will remain fully operational this Sunday. The RBI has granted approval for bank branches, offices, ATMs, and currency chests to remain functional on that day.
This decision was taken because a three-day bank strike is scheduled to follow the weekend (Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27), which could impact banking services.
Complete Tasks Before the Strike
Banks have informed their customers that digital banking services will remain available during the strike period; they can use accounts, ATMs, net banking, and mobile banking for cash withdrawals or money transfers. Additionally, as September 30 marks the half-yearly closing, customers should complete any essential banking tasks before the 28th.