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Bank Employees Union Demands Extra Staff And Security due to Ladki Bahin Scheme Rush in Banks


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The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a prominent body representing bank employees, has recently raised concerns over the challenges faced by bank staff due to the state’s ambitious Ladki Bahin Yojana. In a detailed letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the UFBU has requested urgent assistance in the form of additional manpower and enhanced security measures. This article delves into the issues highlighted by the UFBU and the impact of the Ladki Bahin Yojana on banking operations. The Maharashtra government aims to provide Rs.1500 to over 1 crore women in the state through this scheme.

The Overwhelming Rush at Bank Branches

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, aimed at empowering women across Maharashtra, has led to a significant increase in foot traffic at bank branches. Thousands of beneficiaries are visiting banks daily to open new accounts or to update existing ones to avail of the scheme’s benefits. According to Devidas Tuljapurkar, the convenor of the UFBU, this surge in activity is placing a tremendous burden on bank employees, who are struggling to manage the heavy workload.

Challenges with Aadhaar Seeding

One of the major issues highlighted by the UFBU is the delay in Aadhaar seeding for a significant number of accounts. Approximately 20% of the accounts under the scheme are yet to be linked with Aadhaar, which is a prerequisite for receiving benefits. As a result, account holders are flocking to banks to complete this process, leading to long queues and chaotic scenes at bank counters. The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for bank staff to handle, often resulting in frustration and unrest among customers.

Concerns Over Jan Dhan Accounts

The UFBU has also raised concerns regarding Jan Dhan accounts, which were initially opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). Many of these accounts have been converted into regular savings accounts, which come with various charges such as SMS alerts, maintaining a minimum balance, ATM maintenance fees, and more. When funds from the Ladki Bahin Yojana are credited to these accounts, the bank system automatically deducts any unpaid charges, leaving account holders with a lower balance than expected. This has led to disappointment and confusion among beneficiaries, who were expecting to receive the full amount promised by the government.

Blocked Accounts and Deprived Benefits

Another issue raised by the UFBU concerns beneficiaries who have defaulted on loans or other financial obligations. Operations in their accounts are blocked, preventing them from receiving benefits under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. This situation is creating further unrest among account holders, who feel they are being unfairly deprived of the scheme’s benefits.

Need for Immediate Action

The UFBU’s letter emphasizes the urgent need for additional manpower and security measures at bank branches. With over 1.6 crore applications received under the scheme and more than 96 lakh beneficiaries already receiving the first two installments, the workload on bank employees is immense. In some areas, the situation has escalated to the point where customers are becoming violent, and bank staff are facing harassment. The UFBU is calling on the government to provide immediate support to ensure the smooth implementation of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and to protect the well-being of bank employees.

Conclusion

The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a commendable initiative aimed at empowering women across Maharashtra. However, the challenges faced by bank employees in managing the overwhelming rush of beneficiaries cannot be overlooked. The concerns raised by the United Forum of Bank Unions highlight the need for immediate action to provide additional support to bank staff and to ensure that beneficiaries receive their due benefits without any hindrances. As the scheme progresses, it is crucial for the government to address these issues promptly to maintain the trust and confidence of both bank employees and beneficiaries alike.

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