A directive from the Ministry of Finance directing public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks to remain operational on Sunday, September 27, has encountered strong opposition in Meghalaya. The central order was formulated to counter the operational disruption anticipated from a proposed nationwide bank strike scheduled between September 28 and 30. Responding to the mandate, the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) publicly voiced serious concern and demanded that authorities reconsider the move, emphasizing that the decree overlooks the distinct cultural and religious practices of the state. The objection was formally presented through a statement released by CoMSO General Secretary Balkarin Ch Marak.
Administrative Ease Versus Social Realities
While acknowledging the government's objective of ensuring uninterrupted banking facilities for citizens, CoMSO argued that administrative convenience must never take precedence over established religious and social realities. Across Meghalaya, Sunday is traditionally cherished and observed as a sacred day dedicated to worship, church prayer, familial gatherings, and rest. The organisation expressed deep concern that bank employees are being mandated to report to duty on this day without any apparent consultation tailored to the specific context of the state. Emphasizing regional identity, CoMSO stated that Meghalaya cannot be treated merely as a geographical extension of an overarching national administrative framework, urging policymakers to respect its distinct character.
Viable Alternatives to Sunday Operations
Questioning the necessity of forcing financial institution staff to work over the weekend, the organisation pointed out that multiple alternative measures could have been implemented. Authorities could have easily broadened daily operating hours ahead of the scheduled strike window, fortified automated teller machines and digital banking networks, or established targeted emergency banking windows to handle essential transactions. CoMSO maintained that catering to customer convenience should not come at the direct expense of the legitimate religious and emotional sentiments of bank personnel and the broader local populace.
Call for Consultation and Reassessment
CoMSO formally called upon the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India, participating public sector and Regional Rural Banks, alongside the state government of Meghalaya, to evaluate whether this operational directive should apply locally. The group insisted that meaningful consultations with regional stakeholders must precede any future administrative decisions that intersect with local social traditions. Warning of potential escalation, the organisation cautioned that it would be forced to respond accordingly in due course if institutional authorities continue enforcing a uniform administrative approach without addressing community grievances.
