Bankers' Protection Act: CBOF Advocates Immediate Action After Recent Incidents

Bank employees play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the financial system, yet their safety is increasingly at risk due to violent incidents. The recent assault on bank staff in Hinganghat, Nagpur, Maharashtra, has once again brought this issue to the forefront. With rising cases of aggression towards banking professionals, concerns over workplace security and the need for protective legislation have intensified.

Ensuring the Safety of Bank Employees: A Call for Legislative Action

The Hinganghat incident has highlighted the increasing threats faced by banking professionals from violent customers. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of bank staff. The Canara Bank Officers' Federation (CBOF) has urged the government to pass the Bankers’ Protection Act, a crucial step in ensuring a safer work environment for those who keep the financial sector running.

Staff Shortages and Increased Workload

Many banks are operating with insufficient staff, leading to longer customer wait times and delays in service delivery. This understaffing not only frustrates customers but also places immense pressure on existing employees to meet high targets, sometimes resulting in conflicts.

AIBEA's Call for Enhanced Security Measures

Devidas Tuljapurkar, Joint Secretary of the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), has expressed significant concerns regarding the safety and well-being of bank employees. In response to the recent incident, he emphasized the urgent need for legislative measures to protect bank staff. Tuljapurkar highlighted that while the government should propose a bill to safeguard employees, it is equally important for both bankers and the government to collaboratively address underlying issues such as staff shortages and technological challenges. He stated, "Such incidents are deplorable. Yes, the government should propose the bill to give protection to the staff. At the same time, bankers and the government together should address the root cause which includes staff shortages, hardware, software issues."

Language Policy in Banks: Addressing Communication Concerns

Newton Bank Kumar shared his views with Kanal Media on the recent incidents, stating that banks follow RBI guidelines to recruit local officers and staff who can communicate in regional languages for customer convenience. He explained that bank officers are frequently transferred across India, making it unrealistic for every employee to learn all 17 official Indian languages.

"To address this, banks place front-office staff who speak the local language, while back-office staff, credit officers, and branch managers come from different parts of India and are proficient in at least two languages—not necessarily Hindi," he said.

He further emphasized that banks provide multiple communication channels in regional languages, including ATMs, internet banking, and mobile banking, ensuring accessibility for all customers.

Commenting on the recent attacks on bank employees, he added: “These incidents are unfortunate, as banks are already ensuring regional language communication through recruitment policies. The recent attacks seem to be politically motivated by MNS politicians targeting white-collar staff. There is no language divide from the banks' side.”

Image:Screenshot of a tweet posted by Naval Veteran highlighting the Hinganghat bank assault incident.

Language Disputes and Workplace Safety

In addition to rising workplace violence, incidents related to language disputes have further escalated tensions for bank employees. In Lonavala, Pune, a bank employee was beaten by MNS workers for not speaking Marathi, raising serious concerns about linguistic discrimination in the workplace. Such incidents add another layer of risk for bankers, who already face aggression due to staffing shortages and service delays. Commenting on the incident, Mr. Devidas Tuljapurkar stated, “This is a political stunt”.

Proposed Measures to Enhance Employee Safety

To address these pressing issues, several measures have been recommended:

• Adequate Staffing: Ensuring sufficient recruitment in all cadres to manage workloads effectively and reduce customer wait times. Refer to this article to understand the issue of customer wait times and the challenges faced by banking staff.
• Security Enhancements: Implementing robust security protocols, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the presence of security personnel in branches, to deter potential aggressors. Refer to the Kanal Report for proposed measures and advised methods to tackle the situation effectively.
• Employee Support Programs: Offering counseling services and stress management workshops to support employees' mental well-being.
• Legal Recourse: Establishing clear procedures for employees to report incidents of abuse or violence, ensuring that complaints are addressed promptly and perpetrators are held accountable.

Ensuring the safety of bank employees is a shared responsibility that requires urgent action. While legal protections like the Bankers’ Protection Act are necessary, addressing systemic challenges such as staffing shortages and workplace pressures is equally crucial. A collaborative effort between the government, financial institutions, and the public can help create a secure and respectful environment for those who play a vital role in the economy.