<h1>RBI Directs Banks to Extend Hours for Tax Payments on March 29-31, 2013; Special Clearing Operations Planned.</h1> The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all Agency banks to keep their branches open with extended hours on March 29, 30, and 31, 2013, to facilitate tax payments, as these dates coincide with holidays and a weekend. This measure aims to alleviate the anticipated rush of taxpayers during this period. Additionally, RBI has instructed banks to accept government tax payments even late into the evening. Special Clearing operations, including same-day return clearing on March 31, will be conducted, requiring participating banks to keep their clearing infrastructure and Central Payment Systems (RTGS and NEFT) operational.