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Minimum Wage Discrepancy Persists in J&K Grameen Bank Despite Ongoing Complaints
Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank faces criticism over low wages for daily workers, sparking demands for fair compensation and regularisation. National Federation of RRB Employees advocates reform.
Author: Saurav Kumar
Published: March 22, 2024
Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank finds itself embroiled in a dispute over the glaring disparity in minimum wages among its daily wage workers. Engaged under the contract system, these workers are employed as Office Attendants, yet their wages fall short of the guidelines set by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Inadequate Wages
Workers hired on a daily wage basis and part-time sweepers are compensated at Rs. 310, significantly lower than the mandated Rs. 628 as per the recent NABARD order.
This discrepancy has been a persistent concern, with the National Federation of RRB Employees (NFRRBE), a workmen arm of the All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA), continuously highlighting the issue since 2021.
Image Credit: NFRRBEA
Tasked with Essential Duties
Despite their crucial role in assisting with various banking tasks such as Non Performing Assets (NPA) recovery, customer retention, and business generation, these workers are denied fair compensation. Their contributions serve as a backbone to rural banking operations, acting as a vital link between the bank and its clients.
An official from the bank acknowledged their significance, told Kanal, “Daily wagers are indispensable to our operations. Their support is invaluable in identifying clients, generating business, and assisting with recovery efforts. Recognising their contributions with fair wages is essential.”
J&K Grameen Bank
Established in 2009, J&K Grameen Bank (JKGB) operates across 11 districts in Jammu & Kashmir and 2 districts in Ladakh. With a network encompassing six regional offices and 214 branches, the bank provides a range of financial services in both Union Territories.
Demand of Regularisation
AIRRBEA has been advocating for the regularisation of daily wage workers and addressing the widespread issue of wage disparity. Amidst a vacancy crisis, which has seen demands to fill 30,000 vacant positions, addressing the plight of daily wage workers remains a pressing concern.