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The Bank of Baroda Officers Association (BOBOA), New Delhi Zone, has written a letter to all Regional Managers of the New Delhi Zone, requesting urgent installation of air purifiers across branches and administrative offices as Delhi’s air quality continues to remain in the “very poor to severe” category. Recently, the government announced that all government offices and private companies will operate with only 50% staff physically at the office, and the rest staff should be allocated work from home.
But Public Sector Banks are still operating with full staff strength. No work-from-home facility has been provided to them. During the Covid-19 pandemic also, the entire nation was provided with a work-from-home facility, but Government banks were open, and all staff had to go to work. This had resulted in the deaths of several bank employees.
High PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in Delhi are causing serious health problems for bank staff – persistent cough, breathing difficulty, eye irritation, asthma flare-ups, fatigue, and increased infection risk. Officers are reporting growing discomfort, affecting both morale and productivity.
BOBOA stressed that officers are the backbone of the bank, entering branches every day despite the hazardous pollution levels because they carry the trust of the bank and their families. Ensuring their safety must be a priority.
If work from home facility can’t be provided, then at least an air purifier must be provided: said an employee.
BOBOA’s Key Requests to the Bank
- Immediate installation of air purifiers at all branches and offices in New Delhi Zone.
- Permission for local purchase of air purifiers if central procurement takes time.
- Issuing a health advisory to all branches, encouraging staff to wear masks, avoid outdoor visits, and limit exposure during peak pollution hours.
The condition in Delhi is serious, and all Banks must take care of their employees.
