‘We are Intimidated by GM to Work on Holidays’ Odisha Grameen Bank Employees Raise Concerns

Employees of Odisha Grameen Bank(OGB) are deeply troubled by the management’s repeated attempts to force them to work on holidays. Only a few days ago, the issue was brought into the public eye when the Regional Office at Baripada issued an arbitrary order compelling branches to remain open on 27th and 28th September, both weekly holidays. Read the report on this here ‘Our Weekends Are No Longer Ours’: Odisha Grameen Bank Staff Directed to Work for Janasuraksha Campaign

Staff had hoped that the publicity would put an end to such unfair practices, but the reality has turned out to be far worse.

On condition of anonymity, a banker raised their concerns. “On 26th September (Friday), the General Manager of the Financial Inclusion Department, Mr. Trupti Ranjan Swain, held a video conference with all branches and Regional Managers. During the meeting, he repeated the directive that branches must open compulsorily on Saturday and Sunday. He also made it clear that Regional Office officials would personally visit branches to ensure compliance, as per instructions of the Chairman.” the banker informed Kanal.

The banker added, “The situation became even more alarming when Mr. Pankaj Jain, the Regional Manager of Dhenkanal, issued a fresh circular under reference number RO/MISC/347/2025-26 dated 26th September 2025. This letter ordered all branches under his region to open during the weekend and carry out work such as enrollment under PMJJBY and PMSBY schemes, renewal of SHG and KCC accounts, and recovery of NPAs. What has upset staff the most is the threatening language in the letter, which openly warns employees of “consequences” if they fail to attend office on these holidays. The letter even suggests that refusal to work on holidays is a sign of poor commitment and lack of seriousness towards targets.”

The banker said that the employees feel this treatment is deeply unfair. Only recently they had been made to work beyond normal hours, including holidays, during the Core Banking Solution migration. Many of them stayed away from their families for long periods and incurred expenses on travel and lodging, yet they are still waiting for reimbursement. Forcing them back into holiday duty, that too just before the festive season, has further damaged their morale. Staff members say that the management has no regard for their family responsibilities or their need for legitimate rest days.

Bankers say that what has caused the greatest disappointment is the threatening tone adopted by senior officials. Instead of motivating employees with respect and understanding, the management has chosen to rule by fear and coercion. This has created a stressful environment in which staff feel helpless, overburdened and undervalued.

They allege that despite earlier media reports exposing these practices, the Odisha Grameen Bank management appears determined to continue with its approach of pressuring employees to sacrifice their rights in the name of meeting business targets. Staff strongly believe that only through wider public attention can their voices be heard and corrective measures taken.

Bankers therefore appeal once again for support from the public and from the authorities concerned. They hope that stronger awareness of their plight will help protect thousands of rural bank workers who are being unfairly compelled to work against their will on holidays, damaging both their professional dignity and personal well-being.