Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Witnesses Inaugural Women’s Conference Advocating for Better Working Conditions

In a significant move, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank (TNGB) witnessed its first women’s conference in Madurai. It was led by the Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Officers Association and the Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Workers Union on May 25. The event aimed to address the various challenges faced by women employees and to propose concrete measures for improvement.

The event, led by the Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Officers Association and the Tamil Nadu Grama Bank Workers Union, is affiliated with the All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA) and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI).

Image: TNGB Women’s Conference Participants on the dias.

Addressing Workplace Challenges

The conference was organised to discuss the work environment for women at TNGB, including the challenges they face. Topics included the number of vacancies in the bank, reduced appointments through Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), extended working hours for women employees, and the dual workload of home and office responsibilities. 

Despite women making up 50% of the workforce, their representation in higher management is minimal, highlighting ongoing gender discrimination. The conference attracted approximately 200 women employees from across the district, marking it as a significant event for the organisation.

Women under the age of 30 are particularly vulnerable due to the pressures of parenting and work, which affect their mental and physical well-being. The unions encouraged women employees to take on leadership roles within the unions. A conference participant remarked, “The conference was a monumental event recognising the contributions of women in TNGB, as this was the first time a women’s conference was held separately.”

She added, “Most women members limit their activities to branch-level work. This needs to change to alleviate the burden on women workers and improve service for customers, especially when government policies impact both groups.”

Image: Women Participants of TNGB Women’s Conference in Madurai

Resolutions on Maternity, Infrastructure, Working Conditions

Six significant resolutions were adopted in the conference pertaining to various challenges being faced by women employees. They were as follows:

1. Female employees should be posted or transferred closer to their family residences.

   2. Separate toilets for female employees should be provided in bank branches. 

   3. Special facilities should be provided in branches for differently-abled individuals.

   4. A woman employee representing the women’s association should be a member of the women’s    harassment cell in each zone and at the head office.

   5. The women’s sub-committee should meet quarterly to discuss relevant issues.

A TNGB women’s sub-committee was formed that elected Indumathi as convenor and Benitta as organiser aiming to implement these resolutions and address imminent challenges.

Despite facing widespread challenges such as staff shortages, infrastructural deficiencies, and unsuitable working conditions, TNGB achieved an impressive financial performance in FY24, underscoring employees' concerns about a deepening crisis.

Gramin banks across India face similar issues, but the women's conference at TNGB has ushered in high hopes for overcoming these hurdles.