UCO Bank bars staff from taking privilege leave till September-end

Kolkata: UCO Bank (Salt Lake Zone) has issued a strict order restricting its employees from availing Privilege Leave, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), or LFC (Leave Fare Concession) until September 30, 2025. The order, signed by the Deputy General Manager and Zonal Head of Salt Lake Zone, comes ahead of the half-yearly financial closing of FY 2025-26.

According to the order, the bank has noticed that a significant number of employees are proceeding on leave without proper approval through the HRMS portal. With the half-yearly closing approaching, the bank wants its employees to work for improvement in business parameters, reduction in NPAs, etc.

The order states that:

• Privilege Leave will not be sanctioned until September 30, except under exceptional or emergency circumstances. Such requests will need clearance from the Zonal Office.
• Casual Leave should also be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
• LTC/LFC availment is completely barred until the end of September.

The bank has also instructed branches not to seek deputations during this period. The order stressed that employees should devote their full attention towards enhancing profitability, performance, recovery, and control.

Labour law experts said that such circulars may create industrial unrest. Leave is not a favour from management; it is a legal right. Denying employees their privilege leave for business reasons can be challenged in labour courts or industrial tribunals.

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