SHILLONG : The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) has strongly opposed the decision of the Ministry of Finance requiring bank employees to report for duty on September 27, 2026, which falls on a Sunday.
The organisation said various bank employees’ unions are scheduled to hold a strike from September 28 to 30 over several demands, and alleged that the Centre’s decision to require employees to work on September 27 was linked to the need to ensure uninterrupted banking services.
According to the FKJGP, the government has cited the need to prevent disruption of banking services as the reason for keeping banks open on the Sunday.
However, the organisation said Meghalaya has a large Christian population and that Sunday holds particular religious significance for Christians.
“Sunday is not merely a weekly holiday, but for Christians it is a sacred day set apart by God,” said Eldie Newton Lyngdoh, General Secretary of the FKJGP.
He said Sunday is a day when families attend church services, worship and pray.
The FKJGP questioned whether the Ministry of Finance was aware of the religious significance of Sunday in Meghalaya and whether requiring employees to work on the day adequately considered their religious rights.
The organisation also expressed concern that the decision was issued by the authorities in Delhi without, according to the FKJGP, consultation with the Meghalaya Government, church organisations or bank employees.
The FKJGP has urged the Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Meghalaya Government to review the implementation of the directive in Meghalaya and explore arrangements that would respect the observance of Sunday.
The organisation has also appealed to BJP MLAs from Meghalaya to take up the matter with the concerned authorities.
The FKJGP warned that if the directive is not withdrawn, it may take what it described as strong measures to prevent banks from operating on September 27.
The statement was issued by Eldie Newton Lyngdoh, General Secretary, FKJGP.