Save Our Dignity! IDBI Bank SC/ST/OBC Employees request President ahead of Privatisation of Bank
The IDBI Bank SC, ST and OBC Employees Forum has appealed to the President of India, the Central Government, and the bank’s management to protect the jobs, careers, and dignity of thousands of SC, ST, and OBC employees in view of the proposed privatisation of IDBI Bank.
The forum has submitted a memorandum to the President and requested urgent and compassionate intervention to safeguard the livelihoods of socially and economically backward employees and their families, who may be seriously affected if the bank is privatised.
Memorandum Sent to PM, FM and Other Authorities
Copies of the memorandum have also been sent to several top authorities, including the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister, RBI Governor, DIPAM Secretary, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, and the Chairpersons of the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes.
Employees Joined Bank Trusting Public Sector Security
The employees’ forum said that many young graduates and postgraduates joined IDBI Bank in 2004, leaving behind secure government and public sector bank jobs. They joined the bank with hopes of stable careers, promotions, salary growth, and public sector benefits.
However, the news of merger or privatisation has created deep uncertainty among employees. The forum said that if the bank is privatised and a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) is offered, it would be extremely difficult for employees to find similar jobs elsewhere.
Demand for One-Time Switch-Over Option
The forum has demanded that if privatisation goes ahead, all existing SC/ST/OBC employees should be given a one-time option to move to other public sector banks or public sector institutions. The memorandum listed several demands such as:
- No loss of seniority, pay, or service benefits
- Continuation of reservation and promotion rights
- Same service conditions as existing employees
- Posting near the current workplace to reduce hardship
The forum said these measures would be a humane and constitutionally respectful solution for employees who joined the bank under public sector job assurances.
Call for Law to Protect Reservation After Privatisation
The employees also urged the government to bring a new law or amendment to ensure that SC/ST/OBC reservation protections continue even after privatisation or disinvestment of public institutions. They suggested that future PSU sales should include mandatory social justice and reservation clauses in agreements with private buyers.
Employees Represent Social Justice, Not Just Workforce
The forum reminded that the government follows reservation policies during recruitment before disinvestment, which gives existing SC/ST/OBC employees constitutional protection. According to the forum, SC/ST/OBC employees are not just workers but represent the government’s commitment to equality, opportunity, and social upliftment, and their rights must be protected during any structural changes to the bank.
