AIBOC Call for Official Holiday on Valmiki Jayanti

The All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC), the main body for bank officers in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), has written a strong letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They are demanding that 7th October 2025, which is Valmiki Jayanti, be declared a statutory holiday for banks under the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act.

Image - AIBOC Letter to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

The letter, dated 4th October 2025, highlights a crucial conflict: the UP State Government has already declared Valmiki Jayanti a 'public holiday' for all state offices and establishments. However, the confederation points out that the day has not been notified under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

Why Banks Must Stay Open
This technical omission means that banks across Uttar Pradesh will be obliged to remain open and operate normally on 7th October.

The AIBOC argues that this situation is unjust and causes confusion for both bank employees and the general public. While other government staff enjoy the holiday, bank personnel are being 'deprived' of participating in the celebrations of a day dedicated to Maharshi Valmiki, whom they describe as a "great symbol of Indian culture, literature, and spirituality." The confederation stresses the importance of the day as a time to remember the values of social equality, justice, and humanity.

Plea to the Chief Minister
The union has made a humble yet firm request to the Chief Minister. They ask him to take immediate action and issue the necessary directives to declare 7th October 2025 as an NI Act Holiday. This, they state, will resolve the confusion, ensure fairness to the banking community, and allow staff to observe and participate in the culturally significant occasion.

The AIBOC expressed hope for a swift and positive decision from the state leadership.