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Odisha Gramya Bank Faces Backlash as Customers Protest Branch Merger
Customers of Odisha Gramya Bank protested against the proposed merger of the Nabakalebar branch, fearing inconvenience. They urged the bank to prioritize accessibility over restructuring to avoid hardships for rural account holders.
Author: Saurav Kumar
Published: February 20, 2025
Customers of Odisha Gramya Bank staged a protest on February 19, 2024 against the proposed merger of a local branch, voicing concerns over potential difficulties in managing their accounts. The aggrieved account holders fear that the consolidation will lead to operational challenges, longer travel distances, and inconvenience in accessing essential banking services.
According to local sources, the Nabakalebar branch of Odisha Gramya Bank in Puri district has been operating from the first floor of a lodge for several days. The branch serves thousands of residents, including traders and self-help groups, who rely on its services. Concerned about potential inconvenience, they have submitted a demand letter to the branch manager, urging the bank not to relocate.
With the merger, customers worry about disruptions in day-to-day transactions, pension disbursements, and credit processing. Many elderly and rural customers, who rely on nearby branches for banking needs, argue that the move will force them to travel farther, leading to unnecessary hardship.
Merger of Bank Branch
The Odisha Gramya Bank on January 20, 2025 released a public notice declaring the closure of Nabakalebar branch in Puri by March 24 and is set to be merged with the branch located on the Grand road, Puri. The management claims that it will improve operational efficiency.
The protestors urged bank authorities to reconsider the decision, emphasizing that rural banking must prioritize customer convenience over administrative restructuring.