SEO Title: Post Offices to Stay Ready During Bank Strike 28–30 Sept 2026 – India Post Directions for POSB & IPPB India Post has told all Circles to prepare for extra customers during the bank strike from 28 to 30 September 2026. Enough cash at counters, AePS, ATMs, pension payments and RD collections. Here’s what post office staff and customers should know.
URL Slug: /post-office-arrangements-bank-strike-september-2026-posb-ippb
Focus Keyphrase: Post office bank strike arrangements
When banks go on strike, people turn to the nearest post office. The Department of Posts knows this, and it has now asked all Circles to get ready for a rush of customers during the bank strike from 28 to 30 September 2026.
Here is what the new letter says and what it means for post office staff and customers.
Quick Summary
- Issued by: Rajul Bhatt, Deputy Director General (FS & PBI), Department of Posts, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi
- Letter No.: D.O. No. FS-10/3/2022-FS-DoP
- Date: 23 September 2026
- Sent to: All Heads of Circles
- Reason: The bank strike may push more banking and financial transactions to post offices
- Services covered: Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
Why Is India Post Preparing?
The letter refers to the Department of Financial Services memo dated 21 September 2026 about the strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions. Since normal banking may be affected across the country, India Post expects more people to visit post offices for cash withdrawals, deposits, pensions and other money transactions.
Five Key Directions to All Circles
The letter asks Circles to make advance arrangements, including but not limited to:
- Enough cash at counters: Post offices should keep sufficient cash to handle the expected rise in counter and AePS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System) transactions
- Safe handling of extra cash: Proper security for keeping and moving surplus cash, with help from the District Administration if needed
- Pensions and RD: Suitable arrangements for pension payments and RD (Recurring Deposit) collections
- Cash in ATMs: Post office ATMs should have enough cash, especially to meet the needs of pensioners
- Notices for customers: Display information at post offices about the bank strike and possible cheque clearance delays
Circles have also been asked to closely monitor the situation during the strike and take quick action to avoid any disruption.
What Should Post Office Staff Do? (Practical Checklist)
For Postmasters, SPMs, BPMs and counter staff, here is a simple way to act on these directions:
- Raise your cash limit request early with the HO or divisional office, before 25 September
- Check your AePS devices and biometric scanners so they work smoothly under heavy use
- Keep extra pension payment slots ready, as pensioners may visit in larger numbers
- Refill post office ATMs before the weekend and check them daily during the strike
- Put up a clear notice at the counter about the strike dates and cheque delays
- Coordinate with police or local authorities if your office will hold more cash than usual
- Report any shortage quickly to your supervisor so help can reach you in time
What Does This Mean for Customers?
- Post offices will stay open during the bank strike, since it is only by bank unions
- You can use POSB accounts, IPPB accounts and AePS to withdraw cash with your Aadhaar and fingerprint, even if your account is in another bank (subject to AePS limits and service availability)
- Pensioners can expect special arrangements for pension payments
- RD deposits can be made as usual
- Cheques deposited during this period may take longer to clear, because cheque clearing depends on banks
- Expect longer queues, so visit early in the day if you can
How This Fits With Other Bank Strike Updates
This is the latest in a series of official steps taken before the strike:
- Department of Posts (Postal Accounts): DDOs told to send salary and pension bills to banks by 25 September
- AIBOA: Said on 23 September that talks failed and the strike stands
- RBI: Allowed banks to open on Sunday, 27 September
- Department of Posts (FS & PBI): Post offices told to prepare for extra customers, which is this letter
Useful for Exam Aspirants
Good points for India Post current affairs and the Postal Assistant syllabus, MTS to PA, Postman to PA and GDS to MTS departmental exam preparation:
- FS & PBI: Financial Services and Payments Bank Initiatives
- POSB: Post Office Savings Bank
- IPPB: India Post Payments Bank
- AePS: Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, which allows cash withdrawal using Aadhaar and biometrics
- RD: Recurring Deposit, a small savings scheme run through post offices
- D.O. letter: Demi-Official letter, a personal letter from a senior officer to another officer
Frequently Asked Questions
Will post offices be open during the bank strike from 28 to 30 September 2026?
Yes. The strike is by bank unions. Post offices have been told to prepare for extra customers.
Can I withdraw money from my bank account at a post office during the strike?
You can use AePS at post offices and IPPB access points with your Aadhaar and fingerprint, subject to limits and availability.
Will pensioners face problems?
India Post has directed Circles to make suitable arrangements for pension payments and keep enough cash in post office ATMs for pensioners.
Will cheques deposited at post offices be cleared on time?
There may be delays, because cheque clearing depends on banks. Post offices have been asked to inform customers about this.
Who issued this letter?
Rajul Bhatt, Deputy Director General (FS & PBI), Department of Posts, on 23 September 2026.