Caste Discrimination Case and Vindictive Transfer in IOB: Major Banking Unions Extend Support

The case of alleged caste discrimination and vindictive transfer in the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Ernakulam Circle, Kerala, has gained momentum, with major banking trade unions extending their solidarity to the victim. The incident, which involves an officer allegedly facing workplace harassment and caste-based discrimination, has sparked protests and calls for action from various banking organisations. The officer was also transferred to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as a vindictive action for moving legally against the alleged caste discriminatory actions. 

(A picture from a protest demonstration organised by BEFI.)

IOB’s Response to Allegations

In response to the growing controversy, IOB authorities issued a press note denying the allegations and stating that misleading and unverified reports were being circulated. The bank stated that the case is under investigation, no formal complaints were received, and a grievance redressal system exists. It warned against misinformation, urging stakeholders to rely on official communications. However, major banking unions, including Bank Employees’ Federation of India(BEFI) and All India Bank Officers’ Confederation(AIBOC), condemned the alleged discrimination and announced protests demanding justice and action against those responsible.

(The press note released by Assistant General Manager, IOB Regional Office, Ernakulam.) 

Also read: IOB Under Pressure as Government Moves Forward with Divestment Plans; Bankers Combat Immense Workload

Protest Actions by Banking Unions

Despite IOB’s denial, several banking unions have publicly condemned the alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment. BEFI staged a protest demonstration in front of the Ernakulam Regional Office on 17 February, 2025, demanding justice for the affected officer and disciplinary action against the superior officials involved. Several unions affiliated to the Centre for Indian Trade Unions(CITU) and organisations like Pattikajathi Kshema Samithi(PKS/Scheduled Castes Welfare Association) have been organising continuous protest demonstrations at the regional office.  

(From the protest demonstration organised by BEFI.)

S S Anil, All India President of BEFI, in his opinion piece(published by Kanal), urged all workers and unions in the banking sector to unite against the injustice. He criticised the IOB authorities, alleging that such acts reflected a larger systemic issue within the bank’s management practices.

(Bank employees burn the effigies of the accused officials at a protest demonstration organised by BEFI in Malappuram)

The AIBOC Kerala unit also extended support to the victim. “AIBOC plans agitational actions to protest this injustice. The date will be announced soon,” said Sreenath Induchoddan, AIBOC Kerala State Secretary, in a statement to Kanal.

(The statement released by AKBEF.)

Similarly, the All Kerala Bank Employees’ Federation (AKBEF), affiliated with the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), released a statement calling for strict action against those responsible for the alleged caste discrimination in IOB.

Also read: Online Meeting Harassment & Target Pressure: BEFI Protests Against Anti-employee Policies of IOB Management

Political Intervention

K Radhakrishnan, Member of Lok Sabha from Alathur, Kerala, and former Kerala State Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes, wrote a letter to the Union Minister for Finance regarding the issue. He demanded strict action against those responsible to curb such practices in the banking sector.

(The letter written by K Radhakrishnan MP to the Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman regarding the issue.)

The allegations have brought renewed attention to workplace discrimination in the banking sector, particularly in public sector banks. With banking unions actively mobilising against the reported incidents, further protests and organisational actions are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, stakeholders await the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The case has also attracted political and legal scrutiny, with demands for accountability growing stronger.