The Assam Gramin Vikash Bank (AGVB) is set to witness protests in the upcoming weeks as the Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Officers’ Association (AGVBOA) and the Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Employees’ Association (AGVBEA) have announced an agitational program. The program aims to address long-pending issues that remain unresolved despite repeated requests to the bank’s management. The Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Retired Staff Association has also expressed their full support for the agitation called by the officers and employees’ associations.
Concerns Over Management’s Lack of Response
In a letter dated June 1, 2024, addressed to the Chairman of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, the associations expressed severe concern over the management’s lack of positive response towards their demands. They highlighted that the management has taken an illogical and arbitrary stand that adversely affects both existing and retired staff. This includes attempts to dilute the directives of the Government of India (GoI), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Department of Financial Services (DFS), and provisions of the bipartite settlement and joint note achieved after prolonged struggles.
The associations have repeatedly appealed for the settlement of several issues. These include the payment of Profit Linked Incentive for the Year 2023-24, proper implementation of the Scheme for Compassionate Appointment, stopping further merger of the bank’s branches, and the proper implementation of the Computer Increment Scheme. Despite these appeals, no positive developments have been forthcoming, leading the employees and officers to feel compelled to initiate an agitational program to press for their demands.
Agitational Program and Key Demands
The agitational program includes a badge-wearing demonstration and the submission of memorandums to members of NABARD, DFS, and the sponsor bank in June. In July, the agitation will escalate to office hour demonstrations, a mass dharna at the head office, and a one-day strike.
The key demands of the employees and officers include:
- Payment of Profit Linked Incentive for the Year 2023-24: The release of pending profit-linked incentives from the previous fiscal year.
- Proper Implementation of the Scheme for Compassionate Appointment: The immediate disposal of all pending applications for compassionate appointments according to the government-approved scheme and the withdrawal of a modified circular on compassionate appointments that deviates from NABARD’s order.
- Stop Further Merger of Bank’s Branches: Strong opposition to the ongoing merger of the bank’s branches.
- Proper Implementation of Computer Increment Scheme: The implementation of the computer increment scheme as per DFS orders and the payment of arrears accordingly.
