AIPNBOA raises the issue of Suspension of Bank Managers

The All India Punjab National Bank Officers’ Association (AIPNBOA) has raised serious concerns over the increasing suspension of bank officers, staff shortages, excessive video-conferencing meetings, unresolved employee grievances and the manner in which disciplinary proceedings are being conducted. The association said that these developments have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among employees and weakened their confidence in the bank’s management.

Rising Suspensions of Bank Officers Raise Concerns

The association expressed concern over the frequent suspension of officers in recent months. It noted that suspensions have taken place in cases involving detected fraud as well as alleged ethical violations and other irregularities.

More than 50 branch managers of Punjab National Bank have been suspended for allowing private individuals to work inside bank branches. The branch managers said that there is a severe shortage of staff and that even peons have not been posted in some branches. As a result, they were forced to seek help from private individuals for basic tasks, such as providing water to customers and helping them fill out forms.

According to the association, some branches are running branches only with one or two officers and a clerk, without adequate subordinate staff or essential infrastructure. AIPNBOA alleged that Bank is creating business verticals and posting branch staff in these verticals, which is leading to severe staff shortage in Banks. The association urged management to consider feedback from employees working at the field level before introducing new policies or administrative changes.

Gold Loan Risk and Fasal Bima Work Add to Staff Burden

Gold loan portfolio has grown substantially and more staff is needed to manage the portfolio and prevent fraud.

AIPNBOA also highlighted the time required to enter Fasal Bima details on the government portal. According to the association, the work can take approximately two months for one officer, leaving the remaining officers to manage regular banking activities in addition to their existing responsibilities.

Opening New Zones and Circles Without Adequate Staff

PNB has opened a new Bengaluru Zone and created additional circles while existing branches continue to face manpower shortages.

Excessive Video-Conferencing Meetings Affect Productivity

The association expressed concern over the frequency and duration of video-conferencing meetings organised by the head office. It said that two, three or even four meetings were sometimes scheduled simultaneously on the same day, creating difficulties for officers at the field level.

According to AIPNBOA, head office meetings were often followed by additional meetings at zonal and circle offices, further reducing the time available for regular banking activities.

Officers Suspended Over Alleged Involvement of Outsiders in CBS Operations

An incognito inspection by the Inspection and Audit Department (ISA) on October 27, 2026, led to suspensions in cases where unknown persons or non-employees were found inside branches. The association alleged that, in some cases, it was presumed that these individuals were operating the CBS and that branch officials had shared their passwords.

It claimed that a large number of branch incumbents and officers, including top performers, were suspended without first verifying whether they had actually allowed outsiders to operate the CBS.

The association said it would submit details separately regarding the types of work these individuals had been performing at branches.

Association Seeks Review and Reinstatement of Suspended Officers

The association has requested the MD & CEO to personally intervene in the matter, review the prevailing situation and initiate immediate corrective measures.

It specifically called for suspended officers to be reviewed and reinstated wherever their continued suspension was not warranted.

The association said the bank needed to examine the root causes of fraud and operational irregularities instead of relying predominantly on suspensions and dismissals. It also urged management to address staff shortages, improve systems and procedures, reduce unnecessary administrative work and resolve genuine employee grievances.