Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank RM Sparks Outrage with Directive Denying Transfer Requests for 'Non-Performers'

“All are once again requested NOT to recommend any forward transfer request of their Staff members who are not performing. We will strictly review performance of each branch and staff before forwarding Transfer Requests to HO,” the message read.

“Sheer Threat in the Name of Performance”

The Prathama UP Gramin Bank Officers’ Association (PUPGBOA) took to social media to denounce the message, calling it "a peak of oppression" and accusing the RM of issuing “direct threats” that deny staff their basic right to transfer.

“शोषण की पराकाष्ठा, सीधी धमकी कि ट्रांसफर नहीं होने दिया जायेगा… इस धमकी पर समस्त स्टाफ ऐसे तथाकथित बड़े साहब का बहिष्कार कर दे तो?” read a strongly worded tweet from the union's official handle.

Image: Tweet of Prathama UP Gramin Bank Officers Association official handle on the RM’s transfer directive.

The union said such a message is indicative of autocratic tendencies within certain regions of the bank, particularly in the post-amalgamation setup.

Staff and Public Reactions Pour In

The message and union’s response have triggered a wave of reactions online. Bank staff and social media users condemned the authoritarian tone.

Image: Reactions of bankers on the RM’s directive on no transfer.

• One user wrote, “This is extremely shameful… This is unfair to our hardworking staff.”
• Another noted, “If performance is the only basis, then everyone will want city postings. Will you ignore rural branches?”
• Yet another user sarcastically remarked, “First thing to do is send this RM back to Bank of Baroda.”

Several also questioned the inconsistencies in policy enforcement and the discriminatory approach that may arise when transfer rights are linked solely to performance.

Pattern of High-handed Behaviour in UPGB

The recent incident is not an isolated one. Employees from the erstwhile Baroda UP Bank—now part of the newly constituted Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank—have flagged a recurring pattern of high-handed behaviour from regional managers deputed from the sponsor bank, Bank of Baroda. Reports point to several instances where senior officials allegedly misused their authority and adopted a coercive tone with staff.

In January 2025, the Baroda UP Bank Officers’ Association raised serious concerns over the conduct of the Prayagraj Regional Manager, citing the use of abusive language, arbitrary transfers, and public humiliation of employees during official video conferences. In another widely reported case in 2024, the Regional Manager of Ballia was caught on audio verbally abusing a staff member, saying, “tum bandhwa majdoor ho, bank tumhe tankhwa deti hai” (You are a bonded labourer, and the bank pays your salary).

Call for Policy Reform and Dialogue

Staff unions have expressed deep disapproval of the aggressive tone used by the RM in official communications and are demanding a shift toward professionalism and transparency in internal governance. It is being argued that the post-amalgamation period has seen little change in the approach of sponsor banks–deputed officials in some RRBs, with old hierarchical attitudes still persisting.