The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Karnataka Grameena Bank — which includes the Karnataka Grameena Bank Officers’ Federation (KGBOF) and the Karnataka Grameena Bank Employees’ Federation (KGBEF), both affiliated to AIBOC, AIRRBOF and NCBE — has written a strong letter to the Chairman of Karnataka Grameena Bank, Head Office, Ballari. The JAC has highlighted serious allegations of harassment, safety risks, and violation of the EOD (End of Day) SOP issued by the bank.
The Employees of Karnataka Grameena Banks are forced to sit till late at night due to the imposition of the Day-End Check. Day End check means employees can’t close branches until the controlling office allows. According to the JAC:
- Staff were forced to remain in branches till late night,
- Women employees were also made to stay,
- Employees faced mental stress, physical strain, and safety concerns.
The unions described the situation as harassment and even referred to it as a form of “digital arrest.” The JAC highlighted one more important point – the day-end checks are imposed on branches as per the convenience of the controlling office. On weekdays, the day-end checks are imposed till late night whereas on weekends, day-end checks are removed by 5 pm as officers in controlling offices (Project Management Office – PMO) need to go early.
JAC said: Delays are not for operational reasons, but for the personal convenience and timing preferences of officials. On the previous Friday, EOD checks were relaxed before 5 PM because officials “wanted to attend weekend plans, parties, and sporting events.” But on Monday, the same officials kept branches open late into the night without justification. The unions said this showed inconsistency, irresponsibility, and discriminatory behaviour, leading to low staff morale.
Women Employees Forced to Travel Late at Night
This is a serious issue for women employees. Banking was once considered one of the safest career options for women, but slowly it is becoming more difficult for them. Women officers had to travel home late at night. Their families become worried about their safety, and such situations are unsafe and inhumane. Who will be responsible if any unfortunate incident happens?
Unions Warn of Legal Action; FIRs May Be Filed
The Joint Action Committee warned that if any incident occurs due to such negligence:
- PMO officials who delayed or mishandled EOD checks will be held accountable,
- Supervisory authorities who allowed deviations will also be responsible,
- The federations may file FIRs against the officials involved for violating SOP guidelines and putting staff at risk.
They also said that Department Heads and General Managers who fail to enforce compliance will be considered responsible for dereliction of duty.
SOP Was Introduced After a Two-Day Strike
This is not the first time such incidents have happened. The JAC stated that similar incidents occurred earlier as well, which had led employees to hold a two-day strike. After the strike, an EOD SOP was agreed upon between the unions and the bank management. The SOP clearly states that day-end checks must not be handled in such a manner. However, the bank management has again forgotten the SOP.
The JAC has requested that the bank should immediately begin an official inquiry against officials who violated Head Office–issued SOP guidelines and those who caused unnecessary hardship to staff. Officials not only harassed employees but also endangered staff safety and bank assets. The unions demanded strict disciplinary action based on the inquiry’s findings.
Staff Exhausted Mentally and Physically
The federations emphasized that employees are the backbone of Karnataka Grameena Bank. They serve customers, achieve business targets, manage daily operations and represent the institution with pride. Staff deserve respect, dignity and humane treatment — not late-night detentions caused by arbitrary decisions.
The JAC has warned that if such incidents occur again, the unions will be compelled to take stronger organisational actions. They added that responsibility for escalation will lie with officials who ignored the guidelines and employee welfare. The federations said the Chairman’s assurance during the strike had given hope to thousands of staff, and they expect him to uphold that assurance.
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