Ongoing Attacks and Intimidation: Bankers in Maharashtra Gear Up for Agitational Programmes

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in Maharashtra has announced a series of protests, including a potential strike, to address the rising attacks on bank officials across the state. The union, in its circular dated 04 September 2024, highlighted the growing pressure on bank officers from politicians, particularly in districts such as Beed, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Politicians are allegedly coercing bank officials to sanction loans or overlook loan recovery processes, with recent incidents involving FIRs being filed against branch managers in Dharashiv for failing to meet crop loan targets.

Image - The UFBU circular detailing the agitation programme.

In response to these ongoing issues, UFBU Maharashtra, along with the All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) and All India Bank Employees’ Association(AIBEA), has raised its concerns with senior state officials, including the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary. Despite their efforts, the union stated that the government’s response has been inadequate, likely due to the upcoming State Assembly Elections. As a result, UFBU has planned several protest activities, beginning with a mass meeting and rally on 12 September 2024, followed by an online campaign and further demonstrations leading to a one-day strike in early October. The union calls on its members to participate actively in these programmes to safeguard the dignity and safety of the banking community.

Recent Incidents Highlight Growing Concerns

A disturbing trend of attacks on bankers has emerged across Maharashtra. The most recent incident occurred on 30 August, 2024, at the Bank of Baroda's Loni Devkar branch in Indapur, where an officer was assaulted by a group of 15 to 20 people. This act of violence is not isolated, as similar cases have been reported in various parts of the state. On 13 August, 2024, a local leader from the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna(a constituent of National Democratic Alliance in Maharashtra)  assaulted the Branch Manager of Bank of Maharashtra at Warod Budruk, Jalna district. Earlier, on 27 June 2024, the Branch Head of SBI’s Wadwani Branch in Beed district was also manhandled by a miscreant.

Commenting on the continued attacks and intimidation against bankers in Maharashtra, Nilesh Pawar, the State Secretary of AIBOC, pointed to the upcoming assembly elections as a catalyst to the situation. "As the Maharashtra state assembly polls are approaching, the local politicians are trying to portray bankers as the culprits for the lack of financial inclusion. Moreover bankers are being pressurised to subvert the due procedure, in order to avail social security schemes for anyone backed by the politicians. Many such incidents of violence and ruckus are mere election stunts to delude the voters", Pawar told Kanal.

These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear among bank employees, who are increasingly concerned about their safety while performing their duties. The frequency of such events indicates a growing disregard for the safety of bank officials, which has prompted strong reactions from banking unions.

Unions Demand Justice and Protection

In response to these incidents, several banking unions, including the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), have taken up the issue with state authorities. The Maharashtra State Convener of UFBU, Devidas Tuljapurkar, in a letter to the All India leadership, highlighted the urgent need for action. He emphasised that bank officials are being physically assaulted and coerced into sanctioning loans, with little to no protection from law enforcement.

Tuljapurkar outlined a series of proposed actions, including protests, candle marches, and even a strike, to demand the withdrawal of FIRs filed against bank officials and to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.

The unions have called for the state government to provide security to bank officials and to take firm action against those who have threatened or assaulted bank employees.

Image - Delegation of Various Bank staff met Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwaseji and submitted their grievances.

Meeting with Pune District Collector

In a bid to address these concerns, a delegation of various bank organisations met with the Pune District Collector on 05 August, 2024. The primary demand raised by the representatives from the banking sector was the immediate arrest of the remaining culprits involved in the Loni Devkar incident and the enforcement of strict legal action against all individuals responsible for such attacks.

The increasing violence against bank officials in Maharashtra has highlighted the urgent need for better protection and stronger enforcement of the law. Banking unions are united in their demand for justice and are prepared to escalate their protests if necessary. The continuing instances of violence against bankers have also sparked a debate on the need for a ‘Bankers’ Protection Act’.