Utkal Grameen Bank Officers Resist Manager’s Ultimatum: “Sell Insurance or Resign”

In a startling turn of events, Officers of the Utkal Grameen Bank have risen against the authoritarian conduct of the Regional Manager (RM). The Utkal Grameen Bank Officers’ Association (UGBOA) expressed dismay over a WhatsApp message sent to staff members in the Sambalpur region of the Utkal Grameen Bank, Odisha.

On March 17, the Regional Manager of the Sambalpur region, through a WhatsApp message, mandated staff to sell insurance policies as part of the Sagar Kinare campaign, labelling those who fail to comply as unsociable elements.

Officers' Association Denounces Manager's Authoritarian Tone

The RM’s message conveyed, “We have to qualify for the Sagar Kinare campaign. We have qualified for all the campaigns till now and I know the campaign to Bahana hai. It’s our daily routine. But I heard today that some unsociable elements are still present in my region who are creating problems. I am not going to tolerate. My simple principle I need to Justify myself. You are bound to justify yourself. You are bound to do. Or else only one option leave your job. You will have to perform as per management or you are free to resign.”

Image: Screenshot of the Regional Manager Ultimatum

UGBOA criticised the RM’s language as dictatorial, akin to that of a landlord disregarding rules, norms, and staff for efficient operations. 

A member of the association stated, “Regional Managers' inappropriate conduct has persisted for over a year, but it has now reached a peak. Hence, we openly opposed this unruly behaviour.”

AIRRBEA Urges Action Against Managerial Abuse

The All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA) wrote to the Chairman of the bank demanding action against the abusive behaviour of the Regional Managers. 

In a letter they asserted, “The RRB managements are resorting to inhuman pressure on the branch staff to reach the insurance targets under pretext of some ugly campaigns. The General Managers and Regional Managers, sometimes even the Chairman, are directly involved in threatening the staff with transfers or denial of promotions or some disciplinary actions.”

Image: AIRRBEA Complaint Letter on Managerial Abuse to Utkal Grameen Bank Chairman

Image Credit: AIRRBEA

Additionally, AIRRBEA alleged a focus on selling third-party products despite a severe staff shortage, thus undermining core business operations.

Shortage of Staff and TPP Endorsement

As RRBs grapple with a significant staff shortage, officials of Utkal Grameen Bank are under immense pressure to meet targets for selling SBI Life Insurance policy, sponsored by the State Bank of India.

One official requesting anonymity told Kanal, “Despite a shortage of over a hundred officers, selling insurance policies continues seamlessly. However, the Regional Manager’s abusive language has led to resistance.”

Recent strikes have called for filling 30,000 RRB vacancies and establishing the National Rural Bank of India (NRBI). The demeaning conduct of managerial officers at Utkal Grameen Bank underscores the pervasive crisis, revealing the oppressive pressure to achieve targets.

The abusive language of the managerial officers in Utkal Grameen Bank further exposes the underlying crisis of the pressure to meet targets amid autocratic functioning of the bank management.