‘No Staff Shortage? Then Why Declare 3 Gujarat Zones Deficit’ AIBOBOU Slams Bank of Baroda’s ‘Double Standards’

Officer Shortfall Estimate
According to AIBOBOU’s calculation, the bank needs over 53,333 officers to manage business levels sustainably. With the current strength at about 38,500, the shortfall is around 14,833 officers, though the union conservatively estimates it at nearly 13,000. The proposed recruitment of 5,000 officers will not be enough to meet this requirement. AIBOBOU calls this a business necessity for operational stability and regulatory compliance.

Workforce Decline and Increased Burden
AIBOBOU states that the number of employees in BoB has steadily gone down over the last four years, even as business and compliance demands have gone up. The sub-staff cadre has been practically abolished, leaving officers to handle basic duties and clerical tasks. Many part-time workers have been in service for decades without regularisation. Officers also face rising stress and find it difficult to take earned or sick leave due to the workload.

Image: AIBOBOU’s letter

Courtesy: K. Sriniwasrao

Staffing Data 
The staffing trend in BoB over the last four years shows a steady decline in employee numbers. This visual representation from the AIBOBOU blueprint highlights the scale of reduction and its timing in relation to rising business demands. Reduction of 8,275 staff in four years while business and compliance demands have increased.

Image: Employee strength in BoB over five financial years as presented in the AIBOBOU blueprint

Proposed Solution for Shortage
The blueprint calls for immediate recruitment, reopening of Central Recruitment and Manpower Committees (CRMCs), and proper workforce planning to meet the needs of the bank.

‘Double Standards on Staff Shortage’
Speaking to Kanal, K. Sriniwasrao, General Secretary of AIBOBOU, said, “I have filed an RTI, and the management says there is no staff shortage. If there is no staff shortage, then how can they declare the entire Gujarat — except Ahmedabad — as deficit? Gujarat has four zones, and they have declared three zones as deficit. On one side, they are declaring a deficit, and on the other hand, they are saying there is no staff shortage. This is the double standard maintained by the management.”

Further, he said, “Many branches are running with just a single officer — the manager and officer being the same person. If this officer wants to go on leave, they have to literally beg for it.”

AIBOBOU maintains that addressing the officer shortfall is essential for the bank’s operational stability and service quality. The union’s blueprint calls for immediate recruitment, transparent workforce planning, and fair deployment of staff across zones. Without these measures, they caution, both employee well-being and customer service standards could be at risk.