SLBC urges WB government to restrict banking hours up to 2 p.m. amid rising COVID-19 cases

State Level Bankers’ Committee has appealed to the West Bengal State Government to restrict business hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for at least two weeks, amid a raging second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nabin Kumar Dash, Chief General Manager, Punjab National Bank and Convenor, SLBC said in a letter to the government that many of the member banks have already been advised by their corporate offices to take stock of the COVID-19 situation in their respective working zones and consider restricting attendance up to 50% in their branches and offices.

He stated in the letter, “Many banks have approached us for imposition of restricted banking hours, as was implemented last year to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Ensuring 50% workforce availability itself is a challenging task in the present situation given a large number of infected staff and their family members.”

Full-fledged banking services for six hours will be a ‘daunting task’ in the present COVID situation, he said. “We would urge you to take a considered view to restrict banking business hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at least for next two weeks, which may be reviewed for continuation or otherwise”. Dash added.