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“Not Out of Choice, But Out of Necessity”: Karnataka Grameena Bank Officers Announce Hunger Strike Over Transfers and AOD
The Karnataka Grameena Bank Officers’ Federation has officially announced an indefinite hunger Strike. The protest is against what they describe as biased, unfair, and non-policy-based transfers along with other critical HR issues, including the implementation of Acknowledgement of Debt procedures.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: June 30, 2025
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The Karnataka Grameena Bank Officers’ Federation (KGBOF) has officially notified the management of its decision to launch an indefinite hunger strike starting July 8, 2025, at the bank’s Head Office in Ballari. The Federation’s protest stems from alleged biased, unfair, and non-policy-based transfers implemented as part of the 2025 General Transfers, along with unresolved critical HR issues. KGBOF has also raised objections to the current implementation of the Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) and Letter of Revival (LOR) process, terming it inconsistent with the Limitation Act and causing operational burdens for both staff and customers.
Repeated Requests Ignored: KGBOF Raises Concerns Post-Amalgamation
In a formal notice dated June 23, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of Karnataka Grameena Bank, the KGBOF expressed strong dissatisfaction and protest regarding the 2025 General Transfers and other HR-related issues.
The Federation stated that despite visiting the Head Office and HR section more than seven times and submitting well-documented requests, the management failed to implement the bank’s Transfer Policy, citing the recent bank amalgamation in May 2025 as a reason. However, according to the Federation, the final transfer process lacked fairness and transparency.
Image: Official KGBOF letter highlighting transfer and HR issues
Key Issues Raised
In the above mentioned letter, KGBOF raised several concerns about the 2025 General Transfers. The Federation stated that officers were transferred in a biased and premature manner, with some individuals selectively favored. It alleged that seniority was ignored, and the post-amalgamation situation was used as a reason for not following the Transfer Policy. Genuine requests on spouse, medical, and dependent care grounds were reportedly rejected without justification. KGBOF also mentioned that some members were forcibly transferred to accommodate others, reflecting administrative bias.
Objections on AOD and LOR Implementation
KGBOF also raised concerns over the current AOD and LOR procedures. The Federation stated that in the erstwhile eKVGB, AODs were obtained only after a loan became due, in line with the Limitation Act. However, the current practice follows the erstwhile eKaGB method, requiring AODs and LORs every two years, even for regular loans. KGBOF mentioned that when this was raised with the General Manager, LRD, the justification given was to make officers visit customers—a reason the Federation called unacceptable and legally unsound, causing inconvenience to both staff and customers.
The Federation listed the following key demands:
- Immediate review and reversal of all unjust, premature, and biased transfers
- Consideration of all pending genuine transfer requests, especially on spouse, medical, and compassionate grounds
- Strict implementation of the Transfer Policy, especially with respect to seniority, without favoritism
- Immediate correction of AOD and LOR practices – follow Limitation Act and implement the eKVGB model, not the flawed eKaGB method
- Ensure equal and fair treatment of all staff in the post-amalgamation period, without favouring one bank’s legacy practices over the other
Officers Say Hunger Strike a Necessity After Indifferent Management Response
Speaking to Kanal, officers of Karnataka Grameena Bank stated, “We are deeply disappointed by the continued injustice and lack of transparency in the transfer process. Despite repeated representations, many officers with genuine requests based on spouse grounds, severe medical conditions, and seniority have been either ignored or unfairly transferred. What adds to the frustration is the clear bias and deviation from the officially adopted transfer policy, especially during this crucial post-amalgamation transition phase.
Alongside this, the misuse of AOD and LOR is creating an unlawful burden on both staff and customers. The current practice being followed—reportedly based on one of the erstwhile banks—is not in line with the Limitation Act. Officers are being forced to obtain AODs even when not legally required, leading to unnecessary workload, confusion, and even customer dissatisfaction.
Our officers are working under extreme stress due to these administrative failings. We have approached the management multiple times with valid solutions, but the response has been indifferent. As a result, we have resolved to go on an indefinite hunger strike starting from July 8, 2025, at the Ballari Head Office—not out of choice, but out of necessity—to protect the dignity of our service and uphold the rule of law.”
With the notice served for an indefinite hunger dharna starting July 8, 2025, at the Head Office in Ballari, the Karnataka Grameena Bank Officers’ Federation has highlighted multiple concerns related to the 2025 General Transfers and AOD/LOR procedures. The Federation has outlined specific demands and formally communicated its position to the bank management and other relevant authorities.
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