“Customers Doesn’t Matter, My Meeting Does” - SBI Officers Allege Misconduct By Regional Manager

A group of branch heads, officers and staff members of the State Bank of India (SBI) have lodged a formal complaint with the Chairman of the bank, alleging misconduct, indiscipline and abusive behaviour by the Regional Manager of RBO III, Varanasi, Shri Saurabh Chandra.

In their joint representation, the officers have described the manager’s conduct as “hostile, humiliating and inhuman,” claiming that it has created a toxic and unsafe work environment across the region.

Allegations of Erratic Behaviour
The complaint states that since his joining, the Regional Manager has been calling meetings at irregular hours without notice, disrupting branch operations and hampering customer service. Officers allege that when they try to prioritise customers, they are scolded with remarks such as “Bank aur customer gaye bhaad me, pehle meri meeting jaruri hai.”
Image: Joint letter signed by branch heads and officers of SBI Varanasi region, submitted to the Chairman. 

Use of Abusive Language
The staff members have further alleged that the Regional Manager frequently uses abusive and derogatory terms, including words like “makkar, stupid, idiot, nonsense, chutiya, kamina, nalayak, haramkhor, suar ke bache.” Other informal taunts such as “daru peeker baithe ho kya” and “dudh peete bacche ho kya” were also cited.

According to the complainants, such behaviour has caused “mental stress among officers and staff” and has been affecting overall productivity and discipline within the circle.

Performance vs. Treatment
Despite highlighting that the Varanasi region has consistently performed well and its branch heads have qualified for prestigious recognitions such as the Chairman’s Club, DMD Club, MD Club, CGM Club, GM Club and DGM Club, the complainants say they are treated “worse than slaves.”

The officers also pointed out that their past performance helped the previous Regional Manager qualify for the Chairman’s Club in FY 2024-25, but they now feel demoralised and disrespected under the current leadership.

Call for Action
The letter, signed by several branch heads and staff members, urges the SBI Chairman to take the matter seriously, conduct an impartial investigation, and initiate disciplinary action. The officers stress that unless addressed promptly, the issue could impact employee morale, branch functioning and the public image of the bank.

“We hope for prompt and just action,” the signatories stated in closing.