SBI downplaying VRS numbers — unions

KOLKATA, FEB 5: The two trade unions operating in the State Bank of India have contested chairman Janki Ballabh's statement that 33,000 em...

KOLKATA, FEB 5: The two trade unions operating in the State Bank of India have contested chairman Janki Ballabh’s statement that 33,000 employees have opted for the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS).

According to the union officials, although the SBI chairman has stated recently that the number of applicants to be actually offered VRS will be 23,000, in reality it will be much more if SBI abides by its first VRS circular.

The bank’s circular HRD/CD/VRS/764 dated February 2, 2001, restricts the VRS to officers and staff who have completed 55 years of age on or before December 31, 2000. If the bank follows this principal while allowing VRS, the total reduction will be over 25,000.

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However, the unions claimed that the VRS turnout in Bengal circle of the bank has been extremely low, because of a constant anti-VRS campaign undertaken by the SISA and SBIOA.

They said that already a large number of employees in Bengal circle have started withdrawing their VRS applications and by February 15, 2001, the last date for doing so.

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