New Delhi: A 48-hour Bharat Bandh or a nationwide strike called by various trade unions, including banking staff, to protest government policies began in several states on Monday, affecting normal life in some areas.
anking services were partially impacted as a section of employees did not report for duty, news agency PTI reported. Transactions at many public sector banks were hit and delays were expected in cheque clearances. However, there was barely any impact on the functioning of most private sector banks
The impact of the strike is prominent in eastern India as many branches of public sector banks there are closed, All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) General Secretary CH Venkatachalam said. In the other regions, branches are open as officers are present but services are being impacted due to many employees participating in the strike, he said.
Bank unions are protesting against the government move to privatise two public sector banks as announced in this year’s Union Budget. They are also demanding an increase in interest rate on deposits and reduction in service charges..
