State consent awaited for changes in banking hours

Around 625 employees of SBI alone and several more in other banks in Telangana infected with coronavirus

A day after the State Level Bankers’ Committee took stock of the situation, on account of increase in COVID-19 cases, bank employees in Telangana are looking up to the State government to give consent for implementation of measures discussed, including reducing the business hours of banks. “We are hopeful the State government will give consent soon,” R. Sriram, Convenor for Telangana of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) said on Thursday. Citing the guidelines Indian Banks’ Association had issued in this regard, he said any decision on their implementation can be taken by SLBC in concurrence with the State government. Considering the gravity of the situation, especially with around 625 employees of SBI alone and several more in other banks in the State infected with the virus, the UFBU is planning to submit a memorandum to the State government. Towards safeguarding the employees as well as the customers, it is keen that the changes discussed at the SLBC are in place soon. According to sources, the SLBC in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have also passed resolutions on the same lines.