Shashi Tharoor Supports Bank Employees Protest in Kerala, asks govt to fulfill demands of PSU Bankers

Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, has voiced strong support for retired bank employees who are advocating for their rights, including an increase in pension benefits. His remarks came during the inauguration of a protest organized by the Joint Forum of Bank Retirees, Kerala, held in front of the Secretariat recently.

Highlighting the pivotal role retired bank employees played in the growth of public sector banks in India, Tharoor criticized the Union government for neglecting their demands. He expressed disappointment that the Indian Banks’ Association has shown reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions with retired employees and their representative organizations.
Accompanying Tharoor, CPI(M) MLA I.B. Satheesh delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of bank nationalization and the imperative for public sector banks to remain under government ownership. Satheesh urged retired bank employees to actively engage the public in understanding these critical issues.

The Joint Forum of Bank Retirees has articulated several demands, including the abandonment of bank privatization efforts, revisions to current pension schemes, and the provision of health insurance policy premiums by banks. They also seek equitable treatment in terms of ex gratia payments, special allowances consideration for pension calculations, and a preference for the old pension scheme over the contributory pension scheme.
This unified effort is spearheaded by the All India Bank Pensioners and Retirees Confederation, SBI Pensioners’ Association Kerala, and All Kerala Bank Retirees Forum. The Joint Forum aims to protect the rights and welfare of retired bank employees across the country.
As the campaign gains momentum, it remains to be seen how the Union government and banking authorities respond to these pressing concerns. Stay informed as we track developments on this important issue affecting the banking community and retired employees nationwide.