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| Bank staff - the real heroes fighting COVID-19 | | |
Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
With the Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the national-level lockdown and public transportation being stopped in most of the cities, many Bank employees were unable to attend Bank branches/office and at this time it was nice decision of restricting the banking business hours to four hours, alternate day attendance and working from home, etc. as it was helpful to the banks as well as the staff to somehow manage in these adverse circumstances. One would have noticed that the government has kept banking services open being essential services and those working in the banking sector are there at public service with full commitment and dedication - leading us in this COVID – 19 fights. It is said that money makes the world round and to keep people’s money accessible to them our banks were running, albeit with skeletal staff. Bank staffs are working continuously to ensure the country in keeping running smoothly, even in lockdown. Banking work demand high level of accuracy and comes with huge responsibility. It is to be appreciated that our PM Modi thanked the banking officials and others, including delivery agents of e-commerce companies and those providing services. Lauding efforts of bankers in this difficult time, the Finance minister also said that it is encouraging to know that they are doing their best even during the lockdown. She further stated that the entire banking fraternity deserves recognition and thanks for their tireless and brave efforts to ensure that banking services continue in these adverse times and that every customer is reached in a timely and safe manner. One point is clear that there is a big risk for the bank staff as well as for the customers who use to be inside the bank premises in large number and this had gone totally against the objective of social distancing and increased the risk of infection. Bank employees were very scared and feel highly apprehensive about such an imminent possibility and eventuality. It is to be appreciated that in the face of outbreak of COVID -19 pandemic, Bank staff is going a marvelous job in extending their service to the masses at large and the brave efforts of Bank Employees/ Officers in rendering the essential Banking Services even at the peril of their own life, is reverberating a bugle of Nation’s victory over COVID-19. During lockdown, bank officials and staff are continuously been on the frontline in providing services to customers during this time of adversity, whether it is to provide cash or to keep branches open for customers need. One must just seat for two hours in a bank by the side of any of its employees and see what the hell they are experiencing from all the sides. You will feel like killing yourself rather than taking over his work. The pulls and pressures on the officers working in branches and at the Top Management is a well known phenomenon. The bank employees particularly the officers who are giving their blood and sweat to ensure that all plans and agenda of the government are pushed through with honesty and commitments, despite all adversities. Bank staff is one of the most work-loaded and least corrupt work forces. It is to be noted that to help businesses and consumers feeling the strain, banks took steps such as waiving certain fees, increasing credit lines and implementing forbearance programs. Bank employees really need salutations since they are working longer periods with tiredness visible on them. They face the people’s wrath for not providing smaller denomination notes - but they are helpless since these notes are not supplied by planners. In case of bank officers, there are no specific timings for their working and many a time, their work stretches from 9 to 10 hours every day. It is observed that the moment bank opens the door; people rush in like a herd of bulls. They push each other to move ahead and shout at bank employees for not letting them in immediately. If bank do not follow an organized system, the entire branch may fall into chaos. It is very easy for people outside the industry to pass comments but it must be remembered that the bank employees are known for their contribution in building the Indian Economy. One would find that by and large, a bank employee/officer never gets his due given the quantum of workload and financial risk when compared to his counterpart in any other public sector/central government department. It is very easy for people outside the industry to pass comments. All praise to bank employees is always ready to face any critical issue in the interest of nation, right from their placement, away from home/children etc. Bankers have always in the past stood like a rock and supported the Govt move and made the Govt scheme successful in its drive. Don’t we think Bankers need good reward for their work?
Working daily non-stop under pressure has taken a toll of our health, especially of women employees. |
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