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Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank Employees Association Annual General Meeting Calls to Fill Vacancies & form NRBI
Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank Employees Association convenes its 39th Annual General Meeting in Siliguri, WB, addressing rural banking challenges and advocating for organisational reform.
Author: Saurav Kumar
Published: March 14, 2024
Image: Delegates of the UBKGBEA Annual General Meeting
The Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank Employees Association (UBKGBEA) successfully convened its 39th Annual General Meeting on March 10 in Siliguri, West Bengal. Attended by 140 delegates, the event commenced with an open session featuring speakers offering congratulatory remarks and discussing pivotal issues concerning the association's operations.
Representatives from the two other Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in the state, Paschim Banga Gramin Bank (PBGB) and Bangiya Vikash Gramin Bank (BVGB), along with the respective chairpersons, were present. Additionally, delegates from Assam Vikash Gramin Bank (AVGB) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) attended the meeting.
The meeting aimed to assess the current status of Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank (UBKGB) and the association's efforts in navigating challenges, including the staggering 30,000 vacancies and the proposed establishment of the National Rural Bank of India (NRBI).
UBKGB: A Lifeline of Rural Bengal
Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank, with 143 branches spanning five districts of Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong, stands as the sole RRB in West Bengal that has not been amalgamated since its inception in 1977.
According to D.S Rathore, Chairman of UBKGB, the bank serves as a beacon of change, tirelessly catering to the rural populace of Bengal, ensuring the institution's credibility remains unwavering.
Restoring RRBs Prestige
UBKGBEA’s office bearers reiterated their commitment to organisational reform during the annual general meeting, emphasising the imperative of addressing RRB challenges.
Sidhharth Ghosh, General Secretary of UBKGBEA, commended members for their enthusiastic participation, affirming the association's dedication to rural customer service and advocating for members' welfare and future prosperity.
Addressing delegates, Venkateshwara Reddy, Secretary General of the All India Regional Rural Banks Employees Association (AIRRBEA), called for UBKGBEA's active engagement to ensure seamless bank operations, reflecting on recent RRB achievements.
He questioned the incongruity: despite recording a highest consolidated net profit of Rs. 4,974 crore and maintaining a 15-year 67.50% CD ratio, why do RRBs struggle with numerous vacant positions and unequal treatment of their workforce? Mr. Reddy reiterated RRBs’ unparalleled role in serving rural India.
Image: Venkateshwara Reddy, AIRRBEA, Secretary General address the AGM
He remarked to Kanal, “This event holds significance as it marks the first gathering in five years, aiming to rejuvenate our organisational presence and amplify the collective voice of RRBs. Given West Bengal's importance, housing one of India's largest rural populations, the event carries added weight.”
The UBKGBEA’s Annual General Meeting occurred against the backdrop of resistance led by AIRRBEA, culminating in a nationwide one-day strike in February. The strike urged the government to expedite recruitment to fill 30,000 vacant positions, establish NRBI promptly, and address other unresolved demands.