Dimapur, Dec. 17 (EMN): Nagaland unit of the United Forum of Bank Union (UFBU) joined with the rest of the bank unions across the country on a two-day strike starting December 16 to protest the government’s decision to privatise several banks in the country.
The strike, held at the premises of State Bank of India (SBI) Regional Business Office, Supermarket Complex in Dimapur on December 16, was participated by all bank employees of public sector banks (PSB) including SBI.
SBI Officers Association (SBIOA) regional secretary, TL Lango Neikha, stated that the strike was necessitated since the government was not ready to listen to the demands of UFBU. Citing example that many private banks had failed in the past, he said privatisation of banks was neither efficient nor secured. On the contrary, he opined that privatisation would create crony capitalism, financial exclusion and only lead to loss of job while the rural population of the country would not have easy banking access.
Others who spoke at the programme included deputy general secretary of ST/ SC Welfare Association Ramesh Hasnu, SBIOA executive member Anthony Ngouri, and SBIOA president Talisunep Longkumer.
An update from SBI informed that although banking services like deposits and withdrawal at branches, cheque clearance and loan sanctions were affected due to the strike. It added that ATM would function in all places.
It mentioned that UFBU, an umbrella body of nine bank unions, had called a two-day bank strike as the government had decided to introduce the banking laws (amendment) bill, 2021, during the ongoing winter session of the Parliament. The bill aims to privatise public sector banks.