SHILLONG: The Meghalaya unit of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) joined the nationwide strike on Tuesday paralysing operations in the state.
The nationwide strike has been called to oppose the alleged anti-people banking reforms, writing off of corporate non-performing assets (NPAs) and increase in bank charges. UBFU has demanded implementation of a parliamentary committee, recommendations on the recovery of NPAs, stringent measures for recovery of bad loans and withdrawal of the proposed Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill.
In a press statement, UFBU said public sector banks have to be saved from the danger of privatisation and mergers and all anti-labourer reforms have to be strongly opposed.
“Another danger gripping the country is the merger of banks on the pretext of forming so-called ‘strong’ banks which is a cover-up to weaken the public character of public sector banks and eventually sell them off to the corporate,” the statement read.
Other demands include abolition of banks board bureau, adequate recruitment and redressal of employees’ grievances.
“Huge NPAs of corporates will be covered up and eventually written off by the hard-earned money of the common man. As on date more than 70 per cent of bad debts of all banks are due to rampant and unethical lending to corporates for which the nation is paying dearly,” the statement added.
Later, the convener of the Meghalaya state unit of UBFU told The Shillong Times that over 10 lakh bank employees and officers took part in the strike.
