The talk of change in sponsored bank as part of amalgamation/restructuring of Regional Rural Banks due to bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh has triggered apprehensions among a section of employees of AP Grameena Vikas Bank (APGVB).
There are reports that there is a move to merge Chaitanya Godavari Grameena Bank operating in East, West Godavari and Guntur sponsored by Andhra Bank and a part of Saptagiri Grameena Bank operating in Krishna sponsored by Indian Bank. These along with the branches of APGVB in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam will be amalgamated under the Andhra Bank sponsored bank.
“Whenever RRBs are amalgamated, the Centre has retained the sponsor bank. We are strongly in favour of retaining SBI going by its business volume,” regional secretary of APGVB Officers’ Association K.D.S.V. Prasad told The Hindu .
While bifurcating APGVB, the employees have sought consideration of service rendered by its branches in Seemandhra to small and marginal farmers, self-help groups and flow of funds by sponsored banks, service conditions and inter-se seniority, promotions, difference pay and allowances.
For instance, Mr. Prasad pointed out that APGVB customers in three North Andhra districts were insured by SBI Life Insurance by the sponsored bank and ATM cards issued with a tie-up with SBI. “SBI brand name being the largest sponsor bank in the country has also helped in consolidating APGVB’s business in North Andhra,” All India Regional Rural Bank Employees’ Association central committee member D. Subash said.
Mr. Subash said RRB in 13 districts of Seemandhra should continue to have SBI as the sponsor in the larger interest of the employees as well as customers.
In a representation to the chairperson of SBI, the employees and officers’ organisations of APGVB listed out the problems they would encounter in the event of change in sponsor bank.
