Karnataka Grameena Bank Staff Allege SOP Violation and Late-Night Detention, JAC Seeks Immediate Intervention

Image: KGB Officers’ & Employees’ Federations’ letter seeking intervention on EOD violations.

According to the letter, despite the Head Office issuing Memo No. 249/2025-26 on November 14,  2025 outlining the “SOP to Handle EOD Validations,” the PMO and certain Regional Offices allegedly failed to adhere to the directives. This deviation, the JAC (Joint Action Committee) states, resulted in employees, including women staff, being detained in branches till late at night, causing mental stress, physical strain, and safety risks. The communication notes that the prolonged detentions amounted to “digital arrest” and created fear among employees and their families.

The JAC highlights inconsistencies in implementation, pointing out that EOD checks were relaxed before 5 PM on the preceding Friday due to weekend plans and events, but the same officials allegedly enforced validations late into Monday night without justification. The Committee asserts that such selective enforcement reflects discriminatory behaviour and has affected staff morale.

The letter emphasises that employees were forced to remain in branches after dark, with women officers reportedly travelling home late at night. The JAC states that no institution committed to employee welfare can justify such unsafe conditions, especially when a clear SOP exists to avoid precisely these situations.

The Committee has also warned that officials who enforced or delayed EOD checks in violation of guidelines, along with supervisory authorities who permitted such deviation, will be held fully accountable. It states that the Federation is prepared to pursue legal remedies, including filing FIRs, if necessary. Department Heads and General Managers, it says, must ensure compliance to avoid being considered responsible for dereliction of duty.

The communication reminds the management that the SOP was issued only after employees undertook a two-day strike to bring the issue to the bank’s attention. Following assurances from the Chairman, agitation programmes were suspended in good faith. However, the JAC alleges that recent events show continued disregard for guidelines, demoralising staff and undermining institutional discipline.

The JAC has requested an official inquiry into the actions of officials responsible for violating SOP norms and exposing both staff and bank assets to risk. It seeks strict disciplinary action based on the inquiry outcome.

The letter reiterates that employees are the backbone of Karnataka Grameena Bank and deserve respect, dignity, and humane treatment. It warns that the issue cannot continue even for a single additional day and that further recurrence will compel organisational action. The responsibility for escalation, it states, will rest solely with those who disregarded the bank’s guidelines.

The communication is signed by Sagar Shaha, General Secretary of KGBOF, and Sagar Jadhav, General Secretary of KGBEF, and copied to senior officials of Canara Bank.