Patna: While there is utmost fervor among people across Bihar for Diwali celebrations today, bankers have a dull face sitting in their offices as their festival leave has been cancelled owing to the ensuing Bihar Assembly elections.
Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, October 20 is officially declared as the Diwali holiday. However, this statutory holiday was cancelled in Bihar specifically to facilitate election work. Monday, October 20, is a day of critical importance in the electoral schedule, serving as the last day for the withdrawal of nominations for the first phase (slated for November 6) and the final day for the filing of nominations for the second phase (slated for November 11).
Accordingly, bankers joined their duties in their respective branches since morning, but most of them were disappointed working on a major festival day.
“It’s tough. Diwali is the one day every family looks forward to, and having to sit in the branch while everyone else is celebrating at home is genuinely disappointing,” lamented a branch manager in Patna, who requested anonymity.
The electoral duties have also created significant logistical challenges for many staffers. Many bankers will not be able to visit their homes as they are posted outside their native towns.
“I’m posted over 100 kilometers from my hometown. With the elections looming and the holiday cancelled, there’s no way I can make it back this year. We’ll just have a virtual celebration,” a junior bank officer shared, highlighting the isolation faced by staff separated from family.
The current duty signals the start of a hectic schedule for bankers and other government staff, who are expected to remain engaged in intense work until the vote counting day on November 14.
