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“Much-Needed Relief”: Bank Staff Welcome Govt’s Safety Directive Against the Growing Attacks
The Finance Ministry urges states to protect bank staff from growing abuse and assaults; orders strict legal action and police deployment at vulnerable branches.
Author: Neha Bodke
Published: 23 hours ago
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In a strong and decisive move, the Ministry of Finance has directed all State Governments and Union Territories to ensure strict protection for bank staff following a disturbing rise in aggressive and violent incidents inside bank premises. The directive, issued via an official letter by M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, comes in light of recent social media and news reports exposing verbal and physical assaults on bank employees.
"Such acts of aggression against bank staff not only affect their morale but also erode public trust in the banking system," the letter reads. The government emphasized the urgency of uninterrupted banking services for essential financial access, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and economic continuity for traders, farmers, and small enterprises.
The Secretary called for immediate preventive measures, instructing Chief Secretaries to direct District Magistrates and Police to:
1. Deploy police or patrol teams during peak hours in vulnerable branches.
2. Ensure rapid legal and law enforcement responses to complaints.
3. Take strong, deterrent action against culprits under applicable laws.
This step, officials say, is aimed at restoring confidence among banking professionals and customers alike. The letter was also marked to the Indian Banks’ Association and top executives of public sector banks, asking them to sensitively engage local authorities.
Bankers’ Reactions in Support of the Directive
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While some support the decision of DFS for the safety and security of the bank employees, some still have questions about when the steps will be implemented.
The ministry believes these efforts will foster a secure banking environment, ultimately ensuring the smooth delivery of services to the public. As India’s banking network shoulders the massive responsibility of financial inclusion, its frontline employees now have the Centre’s explicit backing.
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