A tragic incident has come to light from Bank of Baroda’s Chennai Zone, where a lady officer suffered a miscarriage after her request for leave due to pregnancy complications was denied. The All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association (AIBOBOA) has taken up the matter and written to the bank’s Chief General Manager (HRM), demanding immediate action and policy changes to ensure better support for expectant mothers in the workplace.
What Happened?
According to a letter dated February 15, 2025, the officer had been experiencing serious health issues during her pregnancy. On multiple occasions, she submitted medical reports and formally requested leave, as her doctor advised her to take rest for her well-being and the safety of her unborn child.
However, her leave was denied due to staff shortages and operational requirements. She was forced to continue working under stressful conditions, which severely impacted her health. As a result, she suffered a miscarriage, causing emotional and physical trauma.
Her heartbreaking experience was later shared on social media, which led to widespread outrage and concern among bank employees, especially female officers. Read her letter below 👇
Officers’ Association Raises the Issue
Reacting to the distressing news, the All India Bank of Baroda Officers’ Association (AIBOBOA) sent an official letter to the Chief General Manager (HRM) on February 20, 2025. The association expressed serious concern over the lack of sensitivity shown by the bank’s management and urged them to take immediate corrective action.
The association stated that this incident had caused anger and frustration among bank officers, especially female employees. It emphasized the need for the bank to create a more supportive and empathetic work environment, particularly for pregnant employees and those facing medical emergencies.
In its letter, AIBOBOA urged the bank’s management to:
- Issue an official advisory to all Zonal and Regional Managers, ensuring that officers, especially expectant mothers, receive proper support.
- Implement a more compassionate leave policy to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Recognize that a positive and supportive work culture benefits both employees and the bank as an institution.
Even though the affected officer is not a member of AIBOBOA, the association felt it was its moral responsibility to highlight this issue and demand action to prevent future cases.
The Officer’s Emotional Plea
In her personal letter to the Regional Manager of Chennai Rural Region, the officer shared her painful experience. She explained how she had pleaded for leave but was repeatedly ignored by the management.
She wrote:
“I was in an advanced stage of pregnancy and had requested leave due to medical complications. However, despite submitting medical reports and appeals, my request was denied due to operational requirements. The stress and workload severely affected my health, and I suffered a miscarriage.”
She further expressed deep disappointment over the lack of empathy from the bank’s management:
“It is heartbreaking to realize that an institution I have served with dedication failed to show even basic compassion during my most difficult time.”
She urged the bank to reform its leave policies and ensure that no other female officer has to endure the same suffering.
Growing Concerns About Workplace Policies
This case has once again raised concerns about workplace policies for expectant mothers and employees facing medical emergencies. Employee unions and officers’ associations have long been advocating for better maternity policies and a more compassionate HR approach in banks.
Many officers believe that work commitments should not come at the cost of an employee’s health and well-being. The lack of support for pregnant employees has now become a major issue that the bank cannot ignore.
What Happens Next?
Following AIBOBOA’s intervention, Bank of Baroda is now under pressure to respond and take action.
- Will the bank introduce new leave policies?
- Will HR policies be revised to support female officers better?
- Will management ensure that officers’ health and personal emergencies are given priority?
The banking community is eagerly awaiting the bank’s official response. If Bank of Baroda takes immediate steps, it could set an example for better HR practices in the entire banking sector.
For now, employees and officers hope that this tragic incident serves as a wake-up call for organizations to prioritize employee well-being over rigid operational policies.
-
-
-
-
-
-
