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West Bengal has restored the pre-pandemic banking transaction hours from September 2 with chief minister Mamata Banerjee announcing on Wednesday that all commercial banks across the state will remain open for public transaction from 10 am to 4 pm. She made the announcement at the foundation stone laying ceremony of an industrial project in Panagarh about 150 km to the north west of Kolkata.

Banks in the state were open for transaction to the public till 3 pm on a weekday. “The service time is being extended,” said a member of the state level banking committee member.

The West Bengal government’s official order read, “Banks and financial institutions may now operate as per the normal office hours.”

Timing changes due to Covid-19 

Earlier in May, when the pandemic was passing through the second wave, the state government instructed banks to function for a limited time from 10 am to 2 pm in view of rising infections in the state. But after the wave subsided from July the hours were extended to 3 pm, said an official of state finance department. But with the situation almost under control now, the state government is keen to open up the crucial sector for normal business.

Union’s take

“From tomorrow banks will work as per the earlier timing, i.e. from 10 am to 4 pm when customers can get service at branches,” said Sanjoy Das, secretary, All India Bank Officers’ Confederation.

“We have been informed that banking hours of the state have been extended to 4 PM. We are yet to get the timing confirmation from the state level banking committee. But overall this decision is welcome,” said Rajen Nagar, general secretary, Bengal Provincial Bank Employees’ Association.