The recent spate of disturbing incidents from India’s banking sector paints a grim picture of a toxic work culture that has long been neglected. From caste-based harassment to violent attacks on bank staff, the working conditions in banks are deteriorating at an alarming rate. It is high time the authorities took serious note of this crisis.
Consider the horrific case reported by Kerala Kaumudi, where an assistant manager at Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) faced caste-based abuse and physical assault by his superiors. This young Dalit employee was allegedly made to run errands for his seniors, including buying tea and watering office plants. When he objected, he was beaten. Despite lodging a police complaint, the victim was intimidated into withdrawing it initially. The case has now gained attention, but the larger issue remains untouched.
This incident is not an isolated one. Reports have highlighted how bank employees are increasingly stressed due to mounting workloads, inadequate staffing, and rising instances of customer aggression. The All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has voiced concerns over the deteriorating work environment. A young manager from Union Bank in Bihar was brutally attacked by irate customers, underscoring the lack of adequate security measures and the ever-present risk faced by frontline staff.
Why are we allowing such conditions to persist in institutions that are vital to our economy? Banks, particularly public sector banks, are supposed to embody trust and reliability. Yet, their own employees are being pushed to the brink. The chronic understaffing issue is exacerbating this problem. According to AIBEA, nearly two lakh vacancies remain unfilled, leaving existing staff to bear the brunt of growing workloads and customer dissatisfaction.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Department of Financial Services (DFS), and bank managements cannot continue to remain silent. Token measures like insuring branch cash while neglecting the well-being of human assets are not enough. Concrete steps must be taken: filling vacant positions, providing proper training, and installing security measures like armed guards where necessary.
Moreover, workplace harassment, especially caste-based discrimination, needs to be met with zero tolerance. The Prevention of Atrocities Act exists for a reason; it must be enforced strictly, irrespective of the accused’s position.
India’s banking sector is at a crossroads. The decision to either prioritize employee welfare or ignore these red flags will determine not only the industry’s future but also the trust of millions of customers. The time for action is now. Delays will only deepen the crisis, pushing more employees into a toxic abyss of fear, exploitation, and insecurity.