Central government employees and pensioners are set to receive their September 2026 salary and pension earlier than usual, with the government allowing payments to be made on September 25, ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike.

The move has been taken in view of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) strike scheduled from September 28 to 30, which could disrupt banking operations at the end of the month.

For central government employees, the decision means September salary, wages and pension can be disbursed three days before the proposed strike begins.

The Finance Ministry has advised ministries and departments to make arrangements for the advance disbursement of September payments because the proposed bank strike falls during the closing days of the month.

According to an office memorandum issued by the Controller General of Accounts under the Finance Ministry, salary, wages and pensions for September 2026 may be drawn and disbursed by Central Government offices on Friday, September 25.

The arrangement covers Central Government employees, including those working in Defence, Posts and Telecommunications.

The September wages of industrial employees of the Central Government may also be paid in advance on the same date.

Central government pensioners have also been included in the arrangement, with banks and Pay and Accounts Offices (PAOs) allowed to disburse their September pension on September 25.

Will this be an extra payment?

No. The early payment is being treated as an advance payment, not an additional salary or pension.

The Finance Ministry's instructions state that the amount paid in advance will remain subject to adjustment once the full month's salary, wages or pension is determined.

Any required adjustment will be made from the October 2026 salary, wages or pension.

Three-day bank strike from September 28

The advance payment decision comes against the backdrop of a proposed three-day bank strike from September 28 to 30, 2026 by the United Forum of Bank Unions.

UFBU, which says it represents around 90 per cent of the banking workforce, is seeking, among other demands, the implementation of a five-day banking week.

If the strike goes ahead, it could affect banking services across the country during the last three days of September.

Why September 30 is important for banks

The proposed strike also falls around the half-yearly closing of banks, with September 30 marking the end of the first half of the financial year for banking operations.

The timing could affect activities such as reconciliation, provisioning, and treasury and market operations.

The government has therefore advised that payments and other banking transactions scheduled for the end of September be processed in advance wherever possible to reduce potential disruption.

Banks asked to remain open on Sunday

The Finance Ministry has also directed all banks, including Regional Rural Banks, to remain open on Sunday to make banking services more convenient for customers in view of the proposed strike.

Several public sector banks have also begun advising customers to use digital banking facilities if the strike takes place.

Customers have been encouraged to use services such as mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, UPI and Business Correspondent (BC) Points for their banking requirements.

Banks have also asked customers to complete essential transactions before the proposed strike dates to avoid inconvenience.