Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank Employees Await 12th BPS Benefits

In a recent letter addressed to the Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank (APGVB), the Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank Officers' Association (APGVBOA) and Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank  Employees' Association (APGVBEA) have raised concerns over the delay in the revision of pay and allowances for the staff. Their appeal underscores the urgent need for implementing the 12th Bipartite Settlement (BPS) and the 9th Joint Note, bringing the compensation of APGVB staff at par with those working in Public Sector Banks (PSBs).

In the letter dated September 19, 2024, the associations mentioned, “We regret, it is more than two months from the date of the above GOI orders that our bank being the highest profit earning bank in the country, is lagging behind in implementing staff benefits / welfare measures and delaying the implementation of the 12th bipartite / 9th joint note, which is more frustrating to the rank and file of the bank.”

Image: Letter of the Associations in APGVB to the Chairman on 12th BPS

The letter also mentions that the RRBs have played a significant role in providing financial services in rural areas, but it is disheartening that staff compensation still lags behind that of their counterparts in PSBs. This disparity not only demoralises employees but also affects productivity.

The DFS on July 8, 2024 mandated the implementation of salary revisions according to the 12th BPS and ordered all the Chairpersons of the RRBs directed to implement the revised salary on par with the Public Sector Banks.

APGVB operates through 771 branches across 8 districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with a workforce exceeding 3,500 employees.

Demand for Parity with PSBs

The 12th Bipartite Settlement and the 9th Joint Note are agreements reached between unions and bank management to ensure fair compensation and working conditions for banking employees. However, despite the settlements being applicable to PSBs, their implementation in RRBs like APGVB has lagged.

A member of the APGVBOA told Kanal, “Employees have so far received arrears only on an ad-hoc basis, with the full amounts still outstanding. Transport allowance is being paid without factoring in DA, and other allowances have yet to be updated as per the 12th Bipartite Settlement. The non-payment of the 14% NPS contribution further highlights the disparity compared to the sponsor bank.” 

He added, “Moreover, officiating pay, which is a crucial part of the 12th BPS, remains unpaid, despite severe staff shortages, leaving many branches managed by lower-cadre employees who are eligible for this pay.”

The Associations have raised concerns over the growing pressure to cross-sell SBI-sponsored third-party products, such as SBI Life Insurance and General Insurance. Since September 18, not a single day has gone by without special campaigns pushing for cross-selling initiatives.

The letter emphasised the necessity of ensuring a level playing field for RRB staff by offering them pay and allowances equivalent to those of PSB employees, considering their contributions and the increased workload in rural banking operations.