RRBs Quest for Equal Treatment with Commercial Banks Resonates on Social Media

Regional Rural Bank employees and officials are taking a stand on social media, voicing their demand for fair treatment on par with commercial banks. Despite the signing of the 12th Bipartite Settlement (BPS) a month ago, RRBs have yet to receive its benefits, including salary and allowance revisions, which have recently been extended to commercial banks.

The hashtag #JusticeWithGraminBanks trended on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday April 14, amassing approximately 10,000 tweets. This surge reflects the growing discontent among RRB bankers.

Concerns Over RRB Treatment

The outpouring of discontent among RRB bankers specifically on the delayed benefits of the 12th BPS. Bankers have highlighted the inferior treatment of grameen banks, citing issues such as inadequate infrastructure lacking air conditioning, excessive targets, staff shortages, and pay disparities for RRB employees compared to those in commercial banks.

Image: Tweets with #JusticeForGraminBanks 

Several tweets highlighted the disparity, with RRB employees urging equitable treatment from the Ministry of Finance and Department of Financial Services. One tweet questioned, “Regional Rural Banks are excelling with solid balance sheets, offering services comparable to private and public sector banks. Why the wage revision discrimination? It's time to acknowledge their contributions and ensure fair treatment.”

Image: Tweets on RRBs to be treated equal as Commercial banks

B.P Singh, media convenor of the All India Regional Rural Bank Officers’ Federation (AIRRBOF), expressed lament over the delay in receiving the benefits of the 12th BPS. He told Kanal, “Grameen banks serve as the lifeline of rural India, yet they operate under significant distress, marked by an erosion of work-life balance, pressure from targets, pending allowances, pending amendments in HR Policy, lack of technological upgrades, and poor infrastructure.”

In addition, B.P Singh emphasised, “Despite facing resource imbalances, RRBs have achieved large profits in the last few financial years. It is imperative for the Government of India to promptly address our concerns.”

AIRRBOF in the recent past has petitioned the Prime Minister and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) regarding the delay in 12th BPS-induced salary and allowance revisions.

  The official handle of the All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA) tweeted echoing the concerns demanding swift implementation of 12th BPS benefits.

The Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank Officers Association’s X handle also expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of RRBs regarding 12th BPS benefits.

Image: Screenshots of Tweets for RRBs on platform X.

Solidarity Outpour for Grameen Banks

The cause of RRBs advocating for fair treatment has garnered support from bankers across commercial banks, who also serve as sponsor banks for grameen banks.

Expressing concern over the unfair treatment of RRBs, an officer of a commercial bank stated, “Despite challenges such as the absence of internet banking, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated software services, Grameen Banks continue to provide exemplary service to millions of people. While other banks are recognised for their large business volumes, a grameen bank is distinguished for its personalised service.”

The concern for grameen banks has transcended the realm of employee and officer associations, resonating with fellow bankers in commercial banks.