Bank workers in Maharashtra, represented by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), have announced a statewide strike on November 16. They are protesting against harassment and violence that bank employees have faced from people benefiting from the Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme, a financial support program for women.
Devidas Tuljapurkar, the state convener of UFBU, explained that many bank workers have been attacked in different districts. He blames the government for not planning and communicating properly, which has led to chaos in banks. “There is complete disorder in banks due to the lack of planning from the government, and this has created fear among bank employees. That’s why we decided to strike for a day,” he said.
In several areas, including Beed, Jalna, Latur, Dhule, and Pune, politicians and scheme beneficiaries have mistreated and physically harmed bank staff. There has been a rush at bank counters as people try to activate dormant accounts and link their Aadhaar numbers to access benefits from the scheme.
To improve safety, the union is asking for better security measures and more staff at bank counters to handle the increased demand. Atul Save, a state minister, has encouraged the unions to talk to the government before taking extreme actions like a strike.
What is the Ladki Bahin Yojana?
The Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched by the Maharashtra government on August 17 to help women gain financial independence. Women between the ages of 21 and 65 who earn less than ₹2.5 lakh a year can receive a monthly payment of ₹1,500. This scheme aims to empower women and improve their financial status.
It is available only to women who are permanent residents of Maharashtra, whether they are married, unmarried, divorced, abandoned, or in need. To qualify, applicants must have a bank account in their name, and their family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Diwali Bonus for Women
Recently, the government announced a Diwali Bonus 2024 as part of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Women who qualify will receive ₹3,000 through the fourth and fifth installment payments directly into their bank accounts. This bonus aims to help women celebrate Diwali without worrying about their finances.
Upcoming Elections
The announcement of the Diwali bonus is significant as it comes just before the Maharashtra state elections scheduled for November 20. The BJP, along with its allies like the Shiv Sena and NCP, is focused on keeping power in the state. They are facing challenges from the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which includes the Congress, NCP, SP, and Shiv Sena-UBT. This coalition aims to repeat its success from the last elections, where it won 31 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra.
Cases of Assaults on Bank Employees
- Canara Bank takes action against Customer who attacked Female Branch Manager in Patna
- Canara Bank Female Branch Manager Assaulted by Customer in Patna
- Customer Assaults Bank Staff Over TDS Issue at Union Bank Branch in Ahmedabad Gujarat
- PNB Bank Manager Attacked in Fazilka Punjab, Case registered against 22 People
- SBI Manager died due to ill health as his leave was denied
- Lawyer fights with Bank of India Staff in Haidergarh Barabanki UP, Says he was beaten by Staff
- Bank Employee Blackmailed and Raped by her Colleague in Lucknow
- Female Bank Employee Molested, Harassed by Customer inside Branch in Patna
- Aryavart Bank Employees file FIR against 200 people for assaulting Bank Employees
- Bank Manager’s Laptop stolen from Branch amidst huge rush of customers during Diwali
- UP Police Sub-Inspector suspended for fighting with Bank Manager on Road in Bahraich
- Indian Overseas Bank Manager attacked with Knife in Pune by Bank Customer
- One more assault on Bank Employees in Maharashtra
- Bank Manager fought bravely with thieves who snatched her mobile in Agra
- Video: Bank of Baroda AFO and BM assaulted over Loan Proposal Rejection
- Bank Employee in Noida Alleges Sexual Exploitation and Financial Fraud by Man on Marriage Promise
- Watch Video: One more attack on Bank Employee
- Bank of Maharashtra Employees gather at Head Office demanding safety at work
- Gold Chain snatched from Female Bank Officer while going to Duty
- SBI Bank Employee Threatened with Pistol Over Loan Repayment in Mangaluru
