MSBEF Raises Concerns Over Same-Day Cheque Clearing Rollout

Operational Challenges Reported by Bank Staff
According to the MSBEF, the new system appears to have been launched without sufficient operational preparedness. Bank employees are reportedly facing software glitches, inadequate training, and increased work hours, including weekend shifts. These issues have, in some cases, led to customer dissatisfaction, with reports of accounts being debited without corresponding credits and difficulties in transaction reconciliation.

Festive Season Adds to the Pressure
The federation noted that the system’s rollout coincided with the Diwali festive season, a period of increased banking activity. This overlap, MSBEF said, has placed additional strain on both staff and systems already coping with the new process. The letter emphasised that this timing has made it more challenging to manage workloads efficiently and maintain smooth banking operations.

Request for Deferred Implementation
The MSBEF urged the RBI to intervene and streamline the process. If immediate resolution is not feasible, the federation suggested deferring the implementation of same-day cheque clearing until after the festive season, allowing banks sufficient time for system readiness and staff training. The letter was signed by Devidas Tuljapurkar, General Secretary of MSBEF, and copies were sent to the Managing Director and CEO of  National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Chief Executive Officer of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), both based in Mumbai.

While the same-day cheque clearing initiative represents a significant step toward faster and more efficient banking, the concerns raised by the MSBEF highlight the importance of ensuring adequate system preparedness and staff support before full-scale rollout. The federation’s appeal aims to balance technological progress with operational stability and employee welfare along with better customer service.