PNB suffering from severe shortage of peons; branches running without Peons

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has suspended around 50 branch managers for allowing private individuals to work inside bank branches. Senior PNB officials conducted surprise visits to several branches and found outsiders working on the premises. As per the bank’s policy, outsiders are not allowed to work inside branches or take part in banking operations. Citing this policy, the bank has suspended the branch heads.

One letter shared with us stated: “During an incognito visit by a ZAO official, it was found that an outsider was assisting with cash-related work in the cashier’s cabin at 11:27 AM on 27 October 2026. On examining the CCTV footage, another instance was observed in which an outsider was helping with the daily cash-closing process between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. You are hereby advised to submit your explanation by 12:00 PM tomorrow, explaining why suitable staff-side action should not be initiated against you for such negligence and violation of the prescribed guidelines.”

On the other hand, the branch heads said that their branches were facing a severe staff shortage. They said it was becoming difficult to manage daily operations. Therefore, they sought help from private individuals to manage the workload and provide better customer service.

One suspended manager said, “The staff was on leave, and there was a huge rush at the branch. I requested the Business Correspondent (BC) to help manage operations and provide good customer service. What crime did I commit? Why did the Circle Office not provide staff on deputation? If staff had been provided on deputation, I would not have asked the BC for help.”

So, What’s the Truth?

You may be surprised to know that Punjab National Bank is facing a severe staff shortage. The bank is also facing a shortage of peons.

Peons play an important role in government departments. Many people think that their only job is to carry files, but their duties go beyond that. They help dispatch letters and documents, handle daily paperwork, and keep the office running smoothly. Without them, even small administrative tasks can be delayed.

Peons are also an important part of bank branch operations. They help manage physical records and documents related to financial transactions. Many banking transactions generate vouchers and other records that must be stored safely and retrieved when required. Banks must preserve records for the period prescribed under the applicable rules and guidelines.

These vouchers are important. If a customer raises a complaint or a case goes to court, the bank may need to produce the relevant documents. Support staff help organise these files and keep them safe. If there are not enough support staff members, managing these important records can become difficult.

There is often discussion about the shortage of bank officers and clerks, but the shortage of peons receives less attention. Many bank branches are struggling because they do not have enough support staff. This affects basic tasks such as handling physical vouchers, maintaining cleanliness, and moving documents within the branch.

One of India’s largest public sector banks, Punjab National Bank (PNB), is facing a serious staff shortage. The problem is not limited to officers and clerks. Many peon posts are also vacant. Despite the growing workload and the importance of maintaining records, the shortage of support staff remains a concern for employees.

Recently, Bank of Baroda announced a recruitment drive for peons. According to the information shared, no other major bank has announced a similar recruitment drive. This has raised concerns among bank employees about the shortage of support staff. It also raises an important question: If a voucher or other important record goes missing, who should be held responsible?

• Should the branch manager or officer be held responsible when they already have several duties to perform?
• Or should senior management also be held accountable for not providing enough support staff?

In many of the branches where branch heads were suspended, the private individuals were reportedly performing tasks usually handled by peons. They were providing water to staff members and customers because the branches did not have peons. They were also helping customers and assisting with basic tasks. In some cases, they helped resolve computer-related issues. They also assisted cashiers during heavy cash deposits.

For example, if a customer arrives at 3:50 PM to deposit ₹50 lakh in cash, the cashier may need additional support to manage the workload. When the bank does not provide permanent staff or staff on deputation, branch heads may find it difficult to manage such situations. Some managers say they turned to private individuals because they had no other option.

How can a branch provide good customer service when it does not have enough staff? If a customer complains that their work has not been completed, the bank may also take action against the staff responsible.

One employee said, “The bank is not providing enough staff. It is not sending staff on deputation. It is not providing peons. Due to the staff shortage, we are unable to provide good customer service. If a customer complains about poor service, the bank takes action against us. If we take help from private individuals, the bank takes action against us as well. What are we supposed to do?”

Banking experts say that the bank should first review the staff position at the affected branches. It should check whether there was a shortage of employees and whether peons had been posted at those branches. The bank should then examine the circumstances before deciding on any action against the staff members concerned.

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