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Banking Union Calls for Bhau Beej Holiday to Boost Staff Morale
The Indian National Bank Officers' Congress (INBOC) has formally appealed to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Smt. Devendra Fadnavis, for bank staff to be granted an additional public holiday on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, for the significant Hindu festival of Bhau Beej. The union is advocating that the holiday is vital for promoting work-life balance and boosting the morale of employees, especially since the state government had already declared it a general public holiday, but it was later omitted from the bank specifically.
Author: Nimmydev
Published: 12 hours ago
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The Indian National Bank Officers' Congress (INBOC) has formally written to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Smt. Devendra Fadnavis, appealing for an additional public holiday for bank employees on the occasion of Bhau Beej. The union is asking that Thursday, 23rd October 2025, be declared a bank holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, citing the critical cultural and emotional importance of the festival.
Image - Indian National Bank Officers Congress Letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister
Cultural Significance and Rationale
Bhau Beej, which marks the conclusion of the major Hindu festival of Diwali, is described by the union as one of the state's most joyous and widely observed festivals. The day is a celebration of the unique bond between brothers and sisters, where traditional rituals are performed, prayers are offered for well-being, and gifts are exchanged.
The General Secretary of INBOC, (Avijit Pandey), argues that the festival carries immense sentimental value. For many bank staff, who often work away from their families, the day is a rare and emotional opportunity for a family reunion and participation in cultural traditions.
The core of the request stems from an observed anomaly: the Government of Maharashtra had previously declared 23rd October 2025 a general public holiday via a notification dated 5th December 2024. However, this day was subsequently omitted when the holiday list for banks was published.
The union contends that rectifying this omission and declaring the day a bank holiday is crucial for two main reasons. Firstly, it would allow bank employees to celebrate fully with their loved ones, and secondly, it would directly uphold the essential spirit of work-life balance. The INBOC concludes by stating that granting the request would effectively promote employee morale and support their emotional well being.
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