AIRRBEA Tamil Nadu Unit Holds 3rd Joint Conference, Opposes IPO, Seeks Staff Safeguards and Headquarters Shift

Image: The participants in open session of the event

The conference began with the traditional beats of the Parai drum as Conference Chairperson Anto Gaulbert hoisted the flag amid enthusiastic slogans. A welcome address was delivered by the President of the Bell Employees’ Union and Chairman of the Reception Committee, Sridhar.

Image: Parai drummers during the inception of the conference.

The conference was addressed by several distinguished guests. R. Sachithanandam, CPI(M) Member of Parliament from Dindigul, Venkateswara Reddy, Secretary General of AIRRBEA and J. Madhavaraj, noted writer and former General Secretary of TNGBWU, delivered special addresses highlighting the importance of union unity and resistance to privatisation.

Image: Several distinguished guests on the dias of the event

Greetings were also extended by Mr. Kannan Ponnuraman, General Manager of Tamil Nadu Grama Bank; D. Ravikumar, General Secretary of BEFI Tamil Nadu, T. Krishnan, General Secretary of TNGBRS; and Solaimaniakkam, Joint Secretary of NFRRBS.

Reaffirm Resistance to RRB Privatisation

The conference took place at a critical time, as the Government of India moves forward with plans to introduce an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in RRBs, a proposal that has drawn collective opposition from Apex RRB unions across the country.

TNGBOA President Anto Gaulbert informed Kanal, ‘The conference unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed IPO in Regional Rural Banks. A memorandum reflecting this stance was officially handed over to CPI(M) MP Comrade R. Sachithanandam, who attended the event as a special guest.’

Resolutions Focus on Workload, Regularisation, and Relocation

The conference passed several key resolutions aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of employees amid growing challenges:

• Opposition to RRB privatisation and IPOs, reaffirming the public sector character of rural banks.
• Demand for regularisation of temporary staff, along with rightful wages and provident fund benefits.
• Call for a secure and balanced work environment, addressing concerns over increased workload and pressure.
• Resolution to shift the bank’s head office from Salem to Tiruchirappalli, citing accessibility and administrative efficiency.

Image: The glance of participation of the conference.

Post-lunch sessions were held separately for delegates of TNGBOA and TNGBWU. These internal discussions reflected the democratic structure of the unions, with members actively engaging in policy debates and reaffirming their commitment to collective action.

Image: The office bearers of TNGBOA

Following the sessions, new executive committees for both unions were elected. The list of newly elected members was shared with the conference attendees.

Culture, Children, and Camaraderie

The evening concluded with a spirited cultural programme where comrades and their children participated with enthusiasm. Winners of the essay and drawing competitions, along with the D.K. Mukherjee Memorial Cricket Tournament held in May, was felicitated during the prize distribution ceremony.

Image: The drawings of the competition in display

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every comrade who made this conference a grand success,” the organisers said in a joint closing statement.

The conference stood as a resolute declaration against privatisation and a collective call for staff welfare, unity, and structural reforms. With renewed solidarity, TNGBWU and TNGBOA’s workforce reaffirmed its commitment to defend the public character of rural banking.

(Inputs for this report were provided by Anto Gaulbert.)