Bhopal | Vivek Jha
Highlighting the critical role of public sector banks in India’s financial ecosystem, Canara Bank Officers’ Association (CBOA) General Secretary K. Ravi Kumar said that public sector banks are the economic backbone of rural India, while private banks largely confine themselves to urban and profit-driven markets. He asserted that the need of the hour is strengthening public banks through nationalisation—not pushing them toward privatisation.
Public Sector Banks Driving Financial Inclusion
Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Ravi Kumar said that public sector banks are actively serving villages and remote regions by implementing Jan Dhan accounts, Kisan Credit Cards, pension schemes, Self-Help Group financing, and direct delivery of government benefits. In contrast, private banks mainly focus on large corporates and high-net-worth individuals, leaving rural and marginalised populations underserved.
He emphasized that public banks carry the responsibility of inclusive growth and social development, often operating in low-profit areas where private institutions hesitate to enter.
Strong Demand for Five-Day Banking Week
Reiterating UFBU’s demand for a five-day banking week, Ravi Kumar pointed out that institutions like the Reserve Bank of India, insurance sector, and most government offices already follow this system. He questioned why bank employees alone are being denied this facility.
“With increasing workloads, staff shortages, and technological pressure, bank employees’ work–life balance has deteriorated sharply,” he said, adding that this disparity amounts to institutional discrimination.
AI Should Support Humans, Not Replace Them
On the growing use of Artificial Intelligence in banking, Ravi Kumar cautioned against treating technology as a replacement for human resources.
“AI has improved efficiency, but using it as a substitute for manpower is dangerous,” he warned. He called for clear policies on reskilling employees, cyber security, and job protection, stressing that AI must remain a supportive tool rather than a workforce replacement.
CBOA’s Social Outreach in Gram Tanda: Educational Kits Distributed to Children
Under the leadership of the Canara Bank Officers’ Association (CBOA), a social service programme was organized at Gram Tanda under the CANPAL banner, where school bags, notebooks, and pencils were distributed to children to support their education.
The initiative aimed at encouraging learning among rural students and strengthening community engagement. The programme witnessed the presence of CBOA Bhopal Vice President K.K. Tripathi, along with Sanjay Goyal, Ayushi Malviya, Parnita Keshri, Manish Chaturvedi, and several other office bearers, who actively participated in the distribution drive.
The effort was warmly received by villagers and brought smiles to the faces of young beneficiaries, reflecting CBOA’s commitment to social responsibility alongside professional advocacy.
Officers’ Mega Meet at Narmada Club Emphasises Organisational Unity
Later in the day, nearly 500 bank officers gathered at Narmada Club, where CBOA General Secretary K. Ravi Kumar addressed the officers.
In their interaction, the leaders highlighted the importance of organisational unity, employee welfare, and a strong public banking system. They reiterated that CBOA is not merely an association, but a family that stands firmly for the rights, dignity, and well-being of bank officers while also contributing meaningfully to society.
The event served as a platform for motivation, dialogue, and collective commitment toward strengthening both the organisation and banking services.
