Central Bank’s 144 CASA Target: Are Anniversary Campaigns Turning into Pressure Traps for Employees?

The Central Bank of India’s Meerut Regional Office has launched a “Birthday Special CASA Campaign” to mark the 144th birth anniversary of its founder, Sir Sorabji Pochkhanwala. Under the campaign, each branch has been tasked with opening 144 new CASA (Current Account & Savings Account) accounts during August 2025.

While the bank has described the campaign as a tribute to its founder’s legacy and customer relationships, employee union sources in the sector have previously raised concerns over similar high‑volume anniversary or commemorative targets, calling them a source of undue stress and unrealistic expectations.

Recently, comparable target‑driven campaigns in other banks have sparked debate over work‑life balance and the human impact of aggressive account‑opening drives. Staff representatives point out that such campaigns often place disproportionate pressure on frontline employees, especially in areas where most residents already maintain active bank accounts.

Employees’ Reactions on Social Media
Following the announcement, several bankers took to social media to express frustration over the 144 CASA accounts target. Many described it as impractical and demoralising, pointing out that such campaigns often burden branch staff while higher‑level offices focus on ceremonial events. Others criticised management for ignoring staffing shortages, setting unachievable goals, and using commemorative occasions to impose additional workload instead of recognising employees’ efforts through meaningful incentives. Some warned that persistent pressure of this kind can harm mental health, referencing past cases where extreme stress had tragic consequences.