AIBOC Demands Security and Relief for Bank Officers on West Bengal SIR Duty
Citing an assault on micro observers in Farakka, the union says the December–February assignment is straining quarter‑ and year‑end banking operations.
Overview
- AIBOC asked the Election Commission of India, West Bengal’s election authorities and the Department of Financial Services to ensure protection, logistical support and fair treatment for requisitioned staff.
- The union highlighted an incident in Farakka where micro observers were allegedly attacked, saying there was no police protection and officials were left vulnerable.
- Officers are deployed from December 26, 2025 to February 14, 2026, a window the union says conflicts with regulatory closures, audits, customer service and government‑scheme delivery.
- AIBOC reported officers were directed to travel long distances to Kolkata and deployment sites, often at personal expense, with unclear reimbursement, no defined insurance cover and no emergency release protocols.
- The confederation sought monetisation or adjustment of performance benchmarks, appraisal safeguards and reduced reliance on public sector bank staff in West Bengal, alleging private banks were excluded; no official response was reported.