Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank Officers’ Federation Stage Protest Alleging Regressive Policies

Dharwad witnessed an extraordinary two-day protest on January 23-24 by Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank Officers’ Federation (KVGBOF). In a striking display of dissent, over 300 officers participated in a 2-kilometer reverse walk procession on the streets of Dharwad, starting from Jubilee Circle. This symbolic gesture aimed to represent the bank's alleged “regressive policies” regarding employee benefits.

Image: KVGBOF officers on 2 day protest in Dharwad, Karnataka

Clad in black and carrying umbrellas, the demonstrators marched backward to draw attention to the unresolved issues and the delayed implementation of the 12th Bipartite Settlement. The procession highlighted their frustration with a management they accused of moving backward rather than forward in fulfilling commitments to employees.

Reverse Walk Protest

The first day of the agitation featured a unique demonstration through a “Reverse Walk Protest.” A disciplined line of officers marched with umbrellas, symbolising both their professionalism and collective determination to seek justice. Participants explained that the reverse walk represented the regressive policies of the bank, reflecting a backward trajectory in addressing employee welfare and rights.

Image: Reverse walking protest by KVGBOF members 

Key Demands Raised by the Protesters

1. Implementation of 12th Bipartite Settlement:
   KVGB has delayed applying revised salaries and allowances. The officers pointed out that other RRBs have already implemented these changes.
2. Increased NPS Contribution:
   As per the 2017 government directive, the employer’s contribution under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) should be 14% while KVGB continues with 10%.
3. Allowances for Additional Responsibility:
   Officers managing extra responsibilities were entitled to an additional 6% pay, increased to 15% in the new settlement. Protesters claimed that neither the earlier nor revised benefits were being provided.
4. Special Leave for Women Employees:
   Agreed provisions for special leave to female staff remain unimplemented, adding to their discontent.

KVGBOF Calls for Accountability

General Secretary Sagar Shaha criticized the management’s disregard for its employees. He said, “Officers have been shouldering responsibilities far beyond their designated roles. The management's failure to implement pay revisions, NPS contributions, and leave benefits is nothing short of a betrayal of our dedication and professionalism. Despite numerous communications from our association, the management has displayed blatant disregard and arrogance by ignoring our concerns and failing to respond to our letters.”

Protestors Meet Canara Bank Executive

On the second day of their agitation, KVGBOF General Secretary Sagar Shaha submitted a formal letter to the Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank, highlighting unresolved demands under the leadership of KVGB Chairman Sri Srikant Bundivad. The letter underscored the urgency of addressing the pending issues and called for immediate corrective action.

In a notable development, KVGB Chairman Mr. Srikant Bundivad personally received the letter and assured the Federation of prompt action to resolve the grievances. He reiterated his commitment to addressing the concerns and implementing necessary measures at the earliest.

Despite the assurances, KVGBOF cautioned that unresolved issues would leave them with no option but to escalate their protest further, including the possibility of an indefinite strike.

Image: KVGBOF leadership handing over the letter to the Canara Bank CMD 

The two-day agitation highlights unresolved concerns, with officers bearing the brunt of administrative apathy. As tensions persist, the resolution of these pressing issues remains uncertain.