Manpower Shortages and Unmet Promises Plague Bank of Baroda Sponsored RRBs

The Joint Forum of Bank of Baroda (BOB) Sponsored Regional Rural Bank (RRB) Unions has flagged multiple unresolved issues impacting the overall functioning of three RRBs: Baroda UP Bank, Baroda Rajasthan Gramin Bank, and Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank. The unions have raised urgent concerns via a letter dated May 30th urging immediate attention from the Bank of Baroda’s management to ensure the continued success and operational efficiency of these banks.

Acute Shortage of Manpower

The letter raised urgent concerns about the acute shortage of officers and employees in the Bank of Baroda sponsored RRBs. Despite the excellent performance of these banks in the latest financial year, the lack of manpower is causing significant operational stress. High rates of retirements and deaths among employees due to work pressure are exacerbating this issue, resulting in heavy workload pressures on the remaining staff. The unions are calling for immediate recruitment and promotions to address this shortage, as per the guidelines of the S.K Mitra Committee.

Recently  Baroda UP Bank came out with flying colours of an impressive financial performance in FY 24 but is lagging on having adequate staff to work.

Image: Letter of the Joint Forum of BOB Sponsored RRBs Unions

Mismanagement of Vacancies

The union has flagged the significant number of officers from sponsor banks being deputed to RRBs. In their letter, they highlighted that this situation is highly demotivating for senior RRB officers, depriving them of promotional opportunities and imposing a substantial financial burden on RRBs. Currently, over 50 officers at scale V and below from Bank of Baroda are deputed to three RRBs, in blatant violation of deputation rules. The union urges adherence to the Mitra Committee manpower norms, ensuring that all vacant posts in the Officer scale IV and V cadre are managed by promoting senior RRB officers or, if necessary, on an officiating basis.

Issues with Deputation and Promotions

The letter also highlights the issue of deputation rules being violated, with more than 50 officers of scale V and below from Bank of Baroda being deputed in these RRBs. This practice is demotivating senior RRB officers, depriving them of promotional opportunities and imposing a financial burden on the RRBs. The unions demand adherence to the Mitra Committee manpower norms and insist that all vacant posts in Officer scale IV and V should be managed by RRB senior officers through promotions or on an officiating basis if necessary.

In the month of May, an instance of high-handedness was reported involving a Regional Manager (RM) from Bank of Baroda. A whistleblower alleged that the Bareilly RM has been treating Baroda UP Bank officials poorly and indiscriminately.

Unresolved Employment Terms and Parity Issues

Further, the letter brings attention to the plight of part-time sweepers in Baroda U.P. Bank who, despite working on consolidated wages and being paid bonuses, are not allowed current deductions of Provident Fund and are denied 1/3 pay scale as per the 9th Bipartite settlement. Additionally, the employees and officers of RRBs seek parity with their counterparts in Bank of Baroda, in accordance with the directives of the National Industrial Tribunal and legal verdicts. Many benefits and allowances are either not provided at par with BOB or have been withdrawn post-amalgamation of RRBs.

The Unions have urged the management of Bank of Baroda to take immediate action on these pressing issues. They request the management to allow recruitment and promotions to alleviate the severe unrest among staff and ensure parity in allowances and benefits with sponsor banks. Addressing these issues is essential for maintaining healthy industrial relations and operational efficiency in the RRBs.