In order to facilitate the accounting of all government transactions of the current financial year (2008-09), the Reserve Bank of India [Get Quote], in consultation with the controller general of accounts, has decided that all regional offices of the central bank and branches of agency banks conducting government business will suitably extend banking hours on March 30 and 31.

Besides, special clearing (with return clearing on the same day) shall be conducted in the evening/night of March 30 and 31, with the approval of the president of the local clearing houses run by the RBI/agency bank. 

This measure has been taken to avoid operational convenience at the local centres so that the clearing instruments relating to government revenue received from the members of the public are realised and credited to government account by March 31, 2009.