VRS in Associate Banks - What it means to SBI.

The VRS announced in the associate banks has come as a big surprise. For many in those banks it is a God sent opportunity. They were a bit nervous at the idea of merger simply because the work culture in SBI was a bit too much for them. The work culture in Associate Banks unlike SBI as per their own admission is lethargic and relaxed. To meet standards of SBI work culture it really requires some extra effort on the part of the associate Bank's employees. This appears to be a tall order for some given their less hectic and relaxed atmosphere they were accustomed to. Against this background, the response to the VRS, it is assumed will be overwhelming. And they are rubbing hands in glee at the prospect of VRS.

If this is so, then what it means to the post merger SBI. Already SBI is groaning under severe shortage of staff. Large number of branches are manned by single officers. With the merger of the associate bank branches with a truncated staff (on account of VRS), the pressure on staff in SBI post merger will further increase and may reach breakdown levels. There may be a pretext /excuse from the management that branches will be merged, relocated or closed. All this technical jargon will not offer any real relief to the already battered staff. Whatever relief IF AT ALL ANY may not be commensurate with the addition of the branches. At the end of the day the number of accounts will remain the same. More over, will the government allow closure of branches having tasted the advantage of huge SBI network for implementing its programmes? The sum total of this exercise is more burden to the already beleaguered SBI staff.

Is the time not too far to repent for being a SBI staff.

I request all to participate in the discussion on this blog.

K.N.Krishnan,
Dy Manager, ZO, BZ-1, Basavangudi.