IDBI Bank SC, ST and OBC Employees Forum seeks protection of rights, careers

The forum said many young and aspiring graduates and post graduates had quit Government and PSB jobs to join IDBI Bank in early 2004.
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ADNAN ABIDI

The IDBI Bank SC, ST, and OBC Employees Forum has appealed to the President of India, the Central government, and the bank’s management to safeguard the professional futures of thousands of SC/ST/OBC staff by facilitating their absorption into leading public sector banks, financial institutions, or other government entities.

In a memorandum submitted to the President, the forum sought urgent intervention to secure the livelihoods of socially and economically disadvantaged employees whose families face instability due to the proposed privatization of IDBI Bank.

Copies Sent to Key Authorities

The memorandum was also addressed to the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister, RBI Governor, DIPAM Secretary, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, and chairpersons of the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes.

The forum highlighted that numerous qualified graduates and postgraduates had left secure government and public sector bank positions in 2004 to join IDBI Bank, anticipating career growth and improved benefits. These employees now face uncertainty regarding potential mergers or privatization, with limited opportunities for comparable employment if voluntary retirement schemes are imposed.

Employment Safeguards Requested

The memorandum urged that if privatization proceeds, all affected OBC/SC/ST employees be granted a transitional option to move to other public sector banks with guaranteed protections. These include retention of current service terms, seniority, salary levels, reservation benefits, promotion eligibility, and minimal relocation to reduce personal disruption. Such measures would uphold constitutional commitments to social justice for employees who originally joined under public sector assurances.

Legislative Protection Proposed

The forum further recommended establishing a legal framework to ensure continued reservation safeguards for SC/ST/OBC employees during future privatization or disinvestment processes. This would involve legislative amendments to mandate reservation clauses within privatization agreements, preserving equitable opportunities.

Since IDBI Bank historically implemented SC/ST/OBC reservations during recruitment prior to disinvestment discussions, existing employees retain constitutionally protected status. The forum emphasized that these employees embody the government’s vision of inclusive development and equal opportunity, making their protection critical.

Published on January 18, 2026