PIB debunks viral claim of Saturday bank closures across India

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has flagged a fraudulent government gazette making rounds on social media that falsely declares Saturdays as public holidays for all public sector banks across India. The agency confirmed the document is entirely fabricated and does not represent any official government directive.

The fake gazette had triggered widespread concern among bank customers and employees, with the viral claim suggesting a significant operational shift in India's banking system. No such decision has been made by the Reserve Bank of India or the Ministry of Finance, according to the PIB's fact-check.

This is not the first instance of misleading financial documents circulating online. The PIB regularly fact-checks such misinformation to prevent public confusion about important banking and government policies. Citizens are advised to verify official announcements through authenticated government channels and the RBI's official website before acting on such claims.

Public sector banks in India currently operate on a five-day week schedule, with Saturdays and Sundays designated as non-working days. Any changes to this schedule would be formally announced through official RBI circulars and government gazette notifications distributed through verified channels.