AIRRBEA Welcomes Sarva Haryana Gramin Bank’s Move to Hike Medical Aid for Pensioners, Demands Uniformity Across RRBs

The circular stated, “This is a positive and better treatment towards the retirees, who are senior citizens too, in recognition of their past services towards welfare of the general customers and as a team to build up a very shining image of the Bank in its area of operation.”

AIRRBEA also acknowledged that similar benefits may have been introduced under different titles in other RRBs or even among commercial banks through independent bank-level settlements. However, it expressed concern over the lack of uniformity in such measures across the 28 RRBs in the country.

Call for Information and Uniform Medical Benefits

The association has requested its state federations and unit leaders to gather and submit details of any such welfare initiatives taken by other RRBs, especially those providing financial relief or medical benefits to retirees. This, AIRRBEA says, will help it pursue a demand for parity across all banks.

“We therefore request our concerned leadership at the unit level to inform us about any such measure benefiting the retirees so that we may put up a demand for uniformity,” the circular noted.

Medical Aid Inclusion Urged in Local Charters

In RRBs where no such benefits exist, AIRRBEA has urged local union leaders to include medical assistance for pensioners and family pensioners in their Charters of Demands. The goal is to ensure that retired staff, who have long served the rural banking sector, receive basic healthcare assistance without discrimination.

This renewed focus on retiree welfare comes at a time when multiple RRBs are undergoing structural changes following the “One State One RRB” amalgamation initiative. As RRBs transform into stronger, unified entities, AIRRBEA asserts that the interests of retirees must not be left behind.