Strike against PSB merger paralyses banking services in Patna, B'luru

Banking operations across Patna and Bengaluru were severely hit as All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) called for a 24-hour countrywide strike on Tuesday. The unions are protesting the government's decision to the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four bigger banks. On Tuesday, thousands of bankers of public and private sector refused to report to work in Patna, Bengaluru and other cities across the country protesting the merger. 

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"We might lose our jobs," says a protestor

Protesting against the merger, General Secretary of Bank of Baroda in Bihar, Jiyan Lal said that this move might result in loss of jobs and create unemployment. "Customers are also being charged with high taxes and we might lose our jobs as well. The merging of banks will benefit no one but only corporates and will also affect the economy of the country," he said while speaking to ANI. Another agitated protestor from Patna, Ritu Ambara said, "The merger is not the right thing for anyone. We have worked really hard on the ground level to help the bank create profits. the real picture is not shown to the public." The bankers have demanded recovery of bad loans and strong action against loan defaulters as well.  

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A protestor from Bengaluru, Deepika Das Chakraborty alleged that before taking the decision on the merger of banks, no discussion was held with the employees. She also alleged that instead of recovering the non performing assets from the corporates, the centre is opting for a pay cut. She also added that the employees would continue with protests in future if their demands are not met. 

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ABIEA and BEFI's call for a nationwide strike

The Finance Ministry on August 30 had announced the merger of the country's top Public Sector Banks. This led to protests by agitated employee unions ABIEA and BEFI who demanded job security, recovery of bad loans and stringent action for defaulters. The government banks have, however, stated that necessary steps are being taken for the smooth functioning of the branches. It has also been reported that if the strike materialises, functioning of the branches may be affected or paralysed. 

(With inputs from ANI)

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