RBI
Agency Bank branches to be open on March 29, 2013, March 30, 2013 and March 31,
2013.
RBI anticipates a last moment rush
by Indian Banking customers to remit Government Tax receipts. Hence, RBI has
advised that Agency
Bank Branches to keep the counters of their designated branches
conducting Government business open (full day with extended hours) on March 29,
30 and 31, 2013 to facilitate receipt of Government taxes from members of
public even at late hours.
There will be special clearing
sessions wherein exclusive cheques favoring Tax Authorities will be handled.
Simultaneously, offices of both income tax
as well as of indirect taxes will remain open on March 30 and 31 to facilitate
tax collection.
It might be mentioned here that March 29,
2013 is Good Friday, with bank branches in many parts of India being closed.
Marc 31, 2013 is Sunday. However, now agency bank branches have to keep their
counters opens.
It would be interesting to know, as to how
many tax payments were made via online banking and physical bank branches on
March 29, 30 and 31.
Would it better to offer loyalty points if
government tax is paid in advance, to avoid direct and indirect costs by
keeping open bank branches on the last working days?
Agency bank branches are Banks which have
been appointed under Section 45 of RBI Act to carry out Government
transactions.
At present all the public sector banks and
three private sector banks viz. ICICI Bank Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd. and Axis Bank
Ltd. act as RBI's agents. Only authorised branches of Agency banks can conduct
Govt. business.
