Complaints Arise Over Canara Bank's New Transfer Policy

Complaints have surfaced from Canara Bank officers regarding the new transfer policy, implemented in 2024, which they claim disregards personal and family circumstances. Officers are increasingly using social media and professional collectives to express their grievances about being transferred to distant locations, often in different states.

Officers' Concerns Over Transfers

Officers are particularly worried about the impact of these transfers on their children’s education and the care of ailing family members. Many feel that the policy lacks humanitarian consideration, leading to significant personal and professional disruption.

Some organisations within Canara Bank, such as the Canara Bank Officers Union (CBOU), have raised concerns about the perceived favouritism in the new policy. They allege that approximately 1,000 members of the majority organization, Canara Bank Officers’ Association (CBOA), have been granted exemptions from these transfers.

"The number of trade union activists from CBOA being exempted is disproportionate," a CBOU representative told Kanal. “While protecting key activists is understandable, exempting 1,000 members is unjustifiable. This puts a strain on other genuine cases of humanitarian interest.”

Issues Rooted in Recruitment Imbalances

A major underlying issue is the imbalance in regional recruitment. States like Bihar, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu dominate the number of applications and appointments, whereas states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have significantly fewer recruits. This disparity makes it challenging to allocate home state appointments, resulting in many officers being transferred to distant locations.

The recent merger of Syndicate Bank with Canara Bank has exacerbated these issues. Both banks primarily operated in South Indian states, leading to a higher concentration of officers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, further complicating the allocation of transfers.

Call for Regional Recruitment

The CBOU has emphasised the need for regional recruitment to address these transfer challenges. “Regional recruitment is essential. It helps officers connect with the customer base and community, easing their job as they are familiar with the local language and culture,” the CBOU leader stated. “It also brings satisfaction to customers who can communicate and relate to the bank officials effectively.”

Union Actions and Demands

In response to these issues, the Canara Bank Officers’ Organisation (CBOO) has issued a statement opposing the new transfer policy and the exemptions granted to CBOA activists. They have also filed a petition with the Chief Labour Commissioner, seeking a fairer implementation of the policy.

In addition to the transfer policy disputes, Canara Bank has faced other controversial incidents recently, sparking widespread outrage within the banking community. A viral video showing a manager's harassment led to a backlash, prompting the management to issue a circular insisting on the confidentiality of meetings. Furthermore, the bank's decision to slash sub-staff wages amid cost-cutting measures has also drawn significant criticism from employees and unions alike.

As the controversy over Canara Bank’s new transfer policy continues to unfold, it remains clear that both the officers and their representative organisations are calling for more balanced and humane consideration in transfer decisions. The need for regional recruitment and fairer policies are highlighted as crucial steps towards resolving the ongoing discontent.