Guwahati: Over 300 officers, employees and retired staff of Regional Rural Banks (RRB) from across Assam participated in a protest organised by the All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association (AIRRBEA) in the Christian Basti area of the city on Wednesday. The protest was held to press for several long-standing demands.Organisers said the protest reflected a growing discontent among the workforce over the unresolved service-related issues. Key demands included the regularisation of daily wage workers engaged in Gramin Banks and adequate recruitment to fill all vacant posts. They also said staff shortages are affecting customer service and increasing workload on existing employees.“Despite sustained efforts, including multiple representations, meetings with department of financial services, and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, and intervention by honourable members of Parliament, several critical demands of the RRB staff remain unresolved for past several years,” said Samiran Medhi, general secretary of National Federation of Regional Rural Bank Employees.Another demand was the revision of promotion rules of RRB staff to bring them at par with public sector banks. Employees also called for revision in leave rules and amendments to service regulations. The rationalisation of transfer policies was also highlighted, with employees seeking a transparent and fair system.“An HR committee with the chairman of NABARD, constituted to review the promotion rules, had already submitted its report nearly two years ago. However, the rules are not yet revised, leading to growing dissatisfaction among employees. AIRRBEA has expressed concern that repeated assurances from authorities have not translated into concrete action,” Medhi said.The protest concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating their commitment to intensify the agitation if their demands are not met. The protest is part of a series of actions planned across the country, including further demonstrations and a proposed nationwide strike in the coming weeks.
