IDBI Bank Employees Go on Nationwide Strike Against Privatisation

On 11 August 2025, employees of IDBI Bank across India went on a one-day strike to protest against the privatisation of the bank. The protest was organised under the banner of the United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees, which includes the All India IDBI Officers Association (AIIDBIOA) and the All India Industrial Development Bank Employees Association (AIIDBEA).

For decades, IDBI Bank has played a crucial role in building India’s financial ecosystem. It was instrumental in setting up major institutions such as SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India), EXIM Bank, SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), NSE (National Stock Exchange), NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited), SHCIL (Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited), CARE Ratings, and EDII (Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India).

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IDBI Bank Employees Protest against Privatisation of IDBI Bank. All India Strike was conducted in IDBI Bank on 11 August 2025. IDBI Bank was established by Government of India as a wholly owned subsidiary of Reserve Bank of India in 1964 as Industrial Development Bank of India. pic.twitter.com/1YRsz7pZnV

— Hellobanker (@Hellobanker_in) August 11, 2025

Today, IDBI Bank is on the verge of privatisation. Reports suggest that the process could be completed by December this year. If that happens, the bank will no longer remain under government control. Employees are protesting to save the Bank from Privatisation.

The strike took place at various locations, including Bank Square in Chandigarh’s Sector-17. Earlier demonstrations were held at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on July 26, and Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on August 9. The protest also received strong support from the entire banking industry and support from unions in other sectors like insurance and railways, all under the United Forum of Bank Unions.

The employees have raised several important demands. They have requested the Government of India and LIC to stop the plan of selling IDBI Bank to private or foreign companies. Employees have also demanded recruitment of 5,000 clerks and 2,000 sub-staff to fill manpower shortages, an end to toxic work culture, and the implementation of a bilateral transfer policy for officers.

Employees have asked Bank to issue official guidelines on branch classification, provide proper furniture facilities for officers, hold quarterly meetings, re-introduce the Medical Assistance Fund Scheme for executive staff, and ensure promotions for Class IV employees to Sorting Clerk as per earlier agreements.

Employees have warned that if their demands are not met, they will continue their agitation on a bigger scale and for a longer duration in the future.

Also Read: Who is Responsible for the Downfall of IDBI Bank?