RegisteredOfficers’ with RNI, DelhiVoice, Regn. No.April KARENG/2005/14831 2017 1

418 Vol 35 - 10 April, 2017

The recent communication of the Government to growth. A careful analysis leads one to believe 10 Public Sector Banks stipulating the conditions this more as a design rather than a development – for recapitalization is a trailer of the future events, namely, weaken the PSBs. likely to unfold. The owner of the PSBs who was Secondly, the controller of the banking system, quietly collecting the golden eggs from the geese for namely, the Reserve Bank of India’s role too cannot over 4 decades without any hesitation, has now be sidelined. Primarily, the controller professed started dictating terms for feeding, that too at the golden silence while the Government arm-twisted/ time of the ill-health of the geese.While PSBs are messed up long term financing from short term blamed for all ills, it is disquieting that no sense of resources of PSBs. Thereafter, the introduction responsibility is cast on the policymakers whose of CDR mechanism, provision therein to dole wrong policies have led these banks to the present out concessions, reduction in interest and the state. inescapable obligation to extend additional credit The genesis of the NPAs and losses borne by the facilities through JLF (knowing fully well that this PSBs today needs to be traced from the time of would only add to the existing stressed exposure) to winding up of Long Term Financial Institutions try a turnaround of these failing/ailing entities – all (like IDBI, ICICI, IFCI, IDFC etc.) with a declaration have passed into the annals of history without any to make the Banks financial super markets accountability for the initiators of these wrongful dealing with all type of lending. PSBs which were policies of concealed and dignified postponement hitherto catering to short term credit requirements of NPAs. The ‘sudden death’ concept of AQR was a were advised to fund long term infrastructural well – orchestrated ploy to dump the PSBs into loss projects for which they had hardly any expertise. making entities and thus tarnish its image. Government (owner) played a vital role in helping Thirdly, the major flaw was in the policy of corporates get PSB funds (generated out of short appointment of CMDs/EDs in PSBs. The selection term deposits) for long term projects which had process, criteria etc. were opaque and criteria got long gestation period and which had cyclical changed every time depending on the interest,

Editor Asso.Asso. Editor Editor Members Advisor Edited and Published by Ekanath Baliga G. SatishRaghuraman Shetty H.S. Vishwanath T.R. Bhat Ekanath Baliga Satish Shetty K.B. Prasad Y. Sudhindra on behalf of the Owners : Printed by: Founder Editor : Sri T.R. Bhat Corporation Bank Officers’ M. Rajesh Dange Licensed to Post Under Organisation (Regd.) Codeword Process & Printers LicensedLicense to MNG/128/2015-17 Post Under License 106, Lobo Prabhu Court Falnir, Mangalore - 575 001 MNG/128/2015-17& SK/MNG/WPP/7 & SK/MNG/WPP/7 Light House Hill Road, Mangalore - 575 001 e-mail: [email protected] Visit us @ our website:www.cboo.org Officers’ Voice, April 2017 2 the political masters had in selection of their b. Whether the workforce was involved in candidates. During the past decades, we had taking decisions on lending, restructuring or witnessed appointment of CMDs who had less disposing the assets to the ARCs? than 2 years to retire. Reportedly, there were c. Whether the workforce has any say in corporates which were close to the powers and appointment of the top brass of the banks had lobbied for such appointments and later who in nexus with their political masters got out of turn credit facilities as a quid pro quo swindled public money and landed several which today are among the top loan defaulters. banks into problems of the day? The next in the line of these policy fiascos will be d. Whether, after such an MoU- if agreed by the ‘bad bank’ concept – an improved version of unions- the workforce will have a say in daylight robbery of public funds by transferring managing the affairs of the Bank? the unrecoverable NPAs to these banks and later clandestinely settle them for a pittance e. Whether the Government does not have through some ‘Super ARC’s or so. Here again, responsibility to ensure appointment of the controller is reportedly one of the staunch Employee and Officer Directors in time proponents of ‘bad bank’ design. (a subject of gross neglect by the present Government)? If a PSB officer takes a wrong credit/business decision, staff accountability follows him. But Then how far is it correct to peep/cut into for wrong policy decisions leading the PSBs the staff expenses/benefits as a measure of to the fate of today, no one is accountable. To economy and curtailment of expenses and add insult to the injuries, again PSBs only are turnaround thereby? directed to tighten their waists in the form of If the Government is truly serious, it can explore dictates referred above whereas the people who other means: landed the PSBs to the present state with their • Board meetings, business review meetings wrong decisions are roaming freely. can be held through video conferencing. The most dangerous among the dictates of the • Burden on the PSBs for hosting frequent Ministry are: Parliamentary Committee visits and a. Direction to sign a Memorandum of governmental project implementation Understanding with the unions on programmes can be removed in toto. performance guarantees. • Make good the direct and indirect costs b. Temporary restructuring of employee incurred by banks in implementing benefits based on the need, till the banks Government schemes and projects, for successfully manage a turnaround. lending to priority with concessions and - It is like treating the cow for the utilizing banks’ manpower for governmental ailment of the bull. works by making budgetary allocation. It is very pertinent to question: • Top heavy structure of the PSBs (with a. Whether the workforce was consulted while the burdensome new office of Chairman, evolving the policies on lending, recovery multiplicity of MDs, EDs and GMs) shall be and classification of NPAs? reviewed forthwith.

Negligence kills renown just as ceaseless wants destroy wisdom. - Thirukkural Officers’ Voice, April 2017 3

• Government shall introduce stricter legislative measures enabling banks to CBOO News recover bad loans and faster, including an BRANCH VISITS overhaul of judicial process. DELHI • Debar willful defaulters from holding public office and making willful default a criminal Ekanath Baliga, President, Awadhesh Choudhary, offence by amending the laws. Circle Secretary, Satish Kumar, Zonal Chairman, Delhi - North, Arvind Arora, Zonal Secretary, Delhi • Take steps to provide quality leadership - North, Manjeet Singh, Zonal Secretary, Delhi - to banks at the top through transparent South and Mukesh Gupta, Deputy Zonal Secretary, selection process devoid of politicization Delhi - North visited Circle Office, Zonal Office, and bureaucratic shadow. Delhi - North, Zonal Office, Delhi - South and • Provide returns to banks for the cash CBB on 1st February 2017. reserves maintained with RBI which remain Team got a warm welcome from Circle General idle investment without any yield. Manager, Sri D.V.S. Varma. CGM shared his • Assess Income Tax on banks’ net profit – i.e., experiences in dealing with staff matters and after provisions for sub-standard assets. business development while working in various capacities at different parts of the country. “We Treatment is required to the causes leading to must have a positive approach on all the issues the malady; the unwell must be treated and not and situations and deal with transparency. My the workforce which has sweat and toiled day office is always open to employees to discuss any in and day out all these years. By issuing such service or Bank related issues. I will protect all directions, the Government, instead of catching bona fide decisions of my staff. There will be no the thief, is trying to catch someone (workforce) pressure for anything beyond laid down systems and procedures,” he made it very clear. and making him the thief. The team also had interactions with Mr. Ashok Where there is a will, there is a way. Any Chandra, DGM & Zonal Head-Delhi North and listener? Any decider? OV others. President and team had a good interaction with members. There were discussions on C O N T E N T S various issues relating to Government policies Page No. pertaining to banking industry, position of our Bank, nomination for Officer-Director post, CBOO News ...... 3 deteriorating working conditions, particularly post- Women's Wing...... 12 demonetization, fair compensation for late sitting, AIBOC News...... 13 progress on wage negotiation and residual issues of last settlement etc. Swasti...... 16 Circular Round Up...... 20 Members and others raised the issue of non- declaration of vacancies in 0-1 cadre. Dejection Banking Round Up...... 21 & frustration was clearly visible on their faces. Class Room...... 25 President assured them of taking up the matter at Miscellany...... 27 HO level. Retirements...... 28 - Arvind Arora, Zonal Secretary Letter to Management...... 32 MANGALURU Health Watch...... 35 1. K B Prasada and Devaraja B P, Joint General In Lighter Vein...... 36 Secretaries, Bharat Kumar, Zonal Secretary and Vikram Nayak, Deputy Zonal Secretary Officers’ Voice, April 2017 4 visited Shirthady, Naravi, Moodu Konaje, Hathikhana, Dhannaut and Raza Bazar Branches Moodumarnadu, Kadandale, Alangar, Moodabidri, on 6th February, Kurthur, Bhusaula Danapur and Muthur, Polali and Vamanjoor Branches on 7th Phulwarisharif on 8th, Patna Main, Sohgi on 10th, March. Bhaktiyarpur and Mohsinpur on 17th, Maner on 18th, Gaya on 23rd and Hajipur and Uphraul on 2. K B Prasada, Joint General Secretary, S 28th. Prakash Rao, Secretary, Benevolent Fund and Bharat Kumar, Zonal Secretary visited Mulky, Following issues were observed: Padmanoor, Neerude, Permude, Kuthethur, a. Need for shifting Bhusaula Danapur Branch Mukka, Tadambail, Baikampady, Kulur, Kavoor premises due to acute shortage of space. and Konchady Branches on 8th. b. Need for an additional officer at Sohgi in view Members expressed following problems: of good scope for business and a male officer at 1. Inordinate delay in completing day’s work at Kurthur Branch. Finacle Branches resulting in severe hardships c. Shortage of currency notes at almost all to officers – especially ladies. Total absence of Branches. support from Help Desk and NCBS Cell. d. Denial of leave of officers as a matter of routine. 2. Need for providing updated version of PCs for Branches migrated to Finacle. - Bhanu Pratap Singh, Zonal Secretary

3. Second officer not provided at a few Branches BENGALURU – NORTH even after branches crossing business figure of Vijayan N, Assistant General Secretary, Rs.5.00 crore. GKVS Rao, Zonal Secretary, Biju M V and 4. Need to air condition the Branches from Ekanath B, Area Secretaries visited Vijapura, business angle. Devanahalli, Haaro Halli, Karehalli, Melekote, Tubagere, Dargojaganahalli, Doddaballapura, 3. Satish Shetty, General Secretary, P V Doddabelavangala and Kanaswadi Branches on Premanandan Joint General Secretary, B S 21st February. Ramanujachary, Deputy Zonal Secretary and Sandesh, Area Secretary visited Sullia, Bellare, The members informed the following problems, Puttur-Main, Bolwar, Darbe, Uppinangady, issues: Panemangalore, Bantwal, B.C Road and Thumbe a. Second officer not yet provided to Vijapura Branch Branches on 07.03.2017. Common problems faced (business – Rs.10.00 crore) and Karehalli in branches were: b. Absence of BSNL line, V SAT link problem, a. Slowing down of the computers in Finacle Melekote, Kanaswadi and Tubagere Branches. Branches due to non-upgradation/replacement of computers with upgraded version c. Need for renovation / relocation of Doddabelavangala and Doddaballapur. b. Absence of any guidance /support by Wipro for Finacle Branches. d. Power problem (no generator provided) at Haaro Halli. c. Shortage of staff; not posting second officer in single officer branches. e. Delay in loading cash in the ATMs by the agency.

- Bharat Kumar, Zonal Secretary - GKVS Rao, Zonal Secretary

PATNA KOLKATA

Zonal Secretary, Bhanu Pratap Singh and Team consisting of G P Nath, Circle Secretary, S P Deputy Zonal Secretary, Mukesh Prasad visited Acharya, Zonal Chairman, Nibir Kanti Sen, Zonal

Out of every crisis comes the chance to be reborn - Nena O’Neill Officers’ Voice, April 2017 5

Secretary and R Kuzur, Deputy Zonal Secretary branches, non-submission of information / visited Malda, Dalkhola, Darjeeling, Gangtok, returns and statements to ZO despite repeated Jalpaiguri, Siliguri – S F Road, Main, and Tari reminders, lukewarm response from some Branches during 22nd to 24th February. Sri of Branch Managers and not sharing their Kaushik Ghosh, former General Secretary also achievements/difficulties with other staff accompanied the team. members and superiors.

Members brought the following to the knowledge of He made an appeal to all to focus on recently the visiting team: launched deposit products devised to suit the needs of variety of customers i.e., SB Super, a. Shortage of one clerk at Malda. Signature, Elite and Delite. b. Shortage of one officer at Gangtok and Tari Responding, Zonal Secretary, Arvind Branches(vis-à-vis sanctioned strength). Arora complimented the Zonal Head for keeping his words holding ZCC in 2nd / 3rd week c. Non-renewal of lease of Darjeeling Branch of the quarter so that Zonal and Corporate priorities (expired in 2016). and focus areas for Business Development as well - Nibir Kanti Sen, Zonal Secretary as concerns could be timely shared with field staff.

ZCC MEETINGS a. He applauded good initiatives taken by Recovery Division in publishing, “NPA WAR ROOM DELHI - NORTH BULLETIN” – recognising recovery achievers. ZCC meeting was held on 13.02.2017 at Zonal b. Staff shortage at a few of big branches like Office, Delhi North. Anil Pahwa, Vice-President, Dilshad Garden, Paschim Vihar, Karol Bagh Awadhesh Kumar Chaudhary, Circle Secretary, and Tilak Nagar where the volume of work Satish Kumar, Zonal Chairman, Arvind Arora, is substantially high must be immediately Zonal Secretary and Mukesh Gupta, Deputy addressed, to avoid customer complaints and Zonal Secretary represented the CBOO. Sri Ashok for better house-keeping. It is required for Chandra, Deputy General Manager & Zonal Head, uplifting the image of the Bank also. Sri R. G. Bhat, Assistant General Manager & Deputy Zonal Head and Ms. Astha Uttam, Manager, Supplementing, Circle Secretary, Awdhesh Personnel represented the Management. Chaudhary suggested:

Welcoming all to ZCC meeting, Ms. Astha Uttam, a. Holding monthly staff meetings. Manager, Personnel requested Zonal Head to b. Posting an additional officer at branches where address the ZCC members. credit has crossed Rs. 25 crore. Zonal Head, Sri Ashok Chandra informed that c. Non-Calibration of cash deposit machines though the Zone had achieved SB target for March in kiosks, defeating the very purpose of its 17, the Zone is lagging behind in the targets under installation. other parameters. Further: d. Services provided by vendors regarding a. Advances are not improving; many of the POS machines and IMPS services needs branches are in negative in lending over March improvements. 2016. Anil Pahwa, Vice President observed the following: b. Action on NPA and Recovery front is required to be taken on a war footing. a. There are a few branches which need to be supported by providing staff at least as per c. Lack of awareness and involvement of staff sanctioned strength. at various branches towards branch work and goals, poor housekeeping in a number of b. Withdrawal of officers from branches

Try measuring your wealth by what you are rather than what you have; Put the tape around your heart rather than around your head - Keynote Officers’ Voice, April 2017 6 for marketing and recovery is affecting 1. Absence of regular Branch Heads at key branches, severely causing a dent in customer branches such as Shirva (No. 1 NRI Branch), service and giving a scope for complaints. Varamballi and Udri etc. affecting customer service and spoiling Bank’s image. Summing up, AGM, Sri Ramachandra G. Bhat said focus of the Zone should be on sustaining 2. Staff shortage at various Branches. Casa, growth in Retail and MSME Lending, 3. Problems at the branches migrated to Finacle: Priority, recovery and to avoid further slippages The difficulties faced by Officers, Managers to NPA. Wherever staff complement needs to be and even Award staff due to improper supplemented would be looked into during annual implementation and absence of support system transfer period. Other issues pointed out by etc. warranting intervention of Zonal office Organization would be suitably addressed to. towards: - Arvind Arora, Zonal Secretary a. Providing experienced and knowledgeable handholding staff by the service provider. UDUPI b. Providing basic minimum ease at the branches Zonal Consultative Committee meeting was held such as account opening, passing of entries at the Zonal Office, Udupi on 21/03/2017. CBOO and cheques, pass book printing, demand draft was represented by B.S. Krishnamurthy, Zonal printing, deposit receipt printing, renewal and Chairman, M. Jayaprakasha Rao, Zonal Secretary repayment of deposits etc. and Ashok Kotian, Deputy Zonal Secretary. Management was represented by Sri (Dr.) c. Need for proper loading and configuring of Rajendra Prasad, Deputy General Manager and systems and printers before migrating to Zonal Head, Sri Jagadish Nayak, Chief Manager, Finacle in future. Shivaramakrishnan, Chief Manager and Sadanand d. Absence of prompt support from the Finacle P, Senior Manager, Personal Department. Z.O. Help Desk to the branches. Branches are facing problems frequently during business hours Mr. Sadanand P., Senior Manager, welcomed and at the time of doing EOD. Request placed and briefed the committee over the minutes of the by the branches to the Help Desk remains previous ZCC meeting. Zonal Head, Dr. Rajendra unattended for hours/days resulting in delayed Prasad, in his address, appreciated the involvement EOD. Managers and officers are made to sit till of rank and file in the all-round development of the 9.30/10.00 p.m. daily and in some branches till Zone. Zone has crossed SB and Current targets set 11.00 p.m. This will affect health and efficiency for March quarter and doing well in other areas of our staff. also. He expressed his concern over increasing NPA level and requested committee members to pass on e. Postponing of migration to Finacle for the message to rank and file to concentrate on recovery branches scheduled to be migrated from 9th during the remaining period and reduce the NPA April, since branches have to complete year level of the Zone. He also conveyed message of end and tax related work and also attend to the MD and CEO to maintain Connectivity Diary Auditors. at the branches with details of top 25 customers 4. Lifting of 10/- Rupee coins and 10/- Rupee in 6 categories i.e., SB, Current, Time Deposits, notes from the branches by Currency Chest. Advances, NPA and Prospective Customers. 5. Need to load ATMs near Hospitals and schools/ Concluding, he invited suggestions and views from colleges with currency of 100/-, 500/- and CBOO on the matters pertaining to the Zone and 2000/- denominations to help students, the officers. patients and to avoid work pressure at nearby Replying, M Jayaprakasha Rao, Zonal Secretary branches as students and patients are coming expressed the readiness of the officers to respond to to the branches for withdrawal of cash of 100/- the call of the Bank. The CBOO drew the attention 2000/- rupees and for exchanging 2000/- for of Zonal Head towards the following areas: smaller denominations.

It is not necessary to live; but to carve our names beyond that point, this is necessary - S Chander Officers’ Voice, April 2017 7

While accepting the views of the CBOO late to complete the day’s work as there is absolutely representatives, the Zonal Head assured to address no support from the Wipro. The cash deposit the problems highlighted. The office bearers kiosks are not calibrated thereby increasing work thanked DGM for calling the ZCC meeting and pressure at cash counters and scope for customer assured all support from the members of CBOO. complaints in the branches.

-M Jayaprakash Rao, Zonal Secretary Awadhesh Kumar Chaudhary, Circle Secretary DELHI - SOUTH highlighted the following issues: a. Lack of improvement in POS services as service Zonal Consultative Committee Meeting was held providers are not responding to customer on 8th March. Organisation was represented by complaints in time, resulting in loss of Awadhesh Kumar Chaudhary, Circle Secretary, good number of Current Accounts. Amit Kumar, Zonal Chairman, Manjeet Singh, Zonal Secretary and Kumar Gaurav, Deputy Zonal b. Amount being debited by FTS Centre after a gap Secretary. Management team was headed by Mr. of 4-5 days resulting TODs in Saving Accounts. Rathnakara, DGM and Zonal Head duly assisted c. Need to hold staff meetings in branches in true by Mr. Subhash Kumar Keshav, AGM and Deputy letter and spirit which should be informative, Zonal Head and Ms. Jalaj Gautam, Manager to share the product knowledge with a special (Personnel). focus to know/entertain our customers. Ms. Jalaj Gautam welcomed all present. Zonal d. Poor service of computer items under AMC. Head, Sri Rathnakara informed that the Zone’s overall business was at comfortable level as the e. Shortage of manpower including PTS and sub Zone had already crossed the total business target staff category. for March 2017 with surpassing the Saving Bank, f. Need for providing one more officer to the Average Saving Bank, Retail Term Deposit, Total branches having business figure of Rs.25 crore Term Deposit, Average Term Deposit and Non- and above. bank Deposit (NBD) targets; but Current Deposit and Advances, across majority of the branches, Zonal Chairman, Amit Kumar suggested to hold were negative over March16. NPAs are the major preventive vigilance meetings, whistle blower policy, concern as it is mounting day by day. Stressed KYC guidelines and also to instruct the branches to assets too are increasing on the other side, despite comply with these in true manner. Deputy Zonal the herculean efforts of recovery team. He also Secretary, Kumar Gaurav raised the issue of expressed his concerns over lack of improvement in non-availability of instant kits of net banking and retail lending segment. He expressed his gratitude delayed/short supply of PCBs to the branches. to CBOO and its leadership for all round support Meeting ended with an assurance from Zonal Head at all levels. that issues raised would be taken care and resolved.

Deputy Zonal Head, Mr. Subhash Kumar Keshav - Manjeet Singh, Zonal Secretary shared his concerns on housekeeping and long pending entries in suspense debtors/creditors and MUMBAI appealed for elimination before year end. Zonal Consultative Committee Meeting was held Reciprocating, Manjeet Singh, Zonal Secretary on 15th March. Organisation was represented by shared concerns on Zone’s performance and Deputy General Secretary, Alok Paul, Assistant assured for all round support from all the branches General Secretary, Uday Khade, Circle Secretary, in achieving business targets. He also requested Sanjay Hile, Zonal Chairman, V B Shanbhogue and for support to the branches from Zonal Office in Zonal Secretary, N N Ambedkar. The Management this regard. He informed about hardship faced by 7 was represented by Zonal Head and Deputy General branches migrated to Finacle. Staff has to sit very Manager, Sri Venkatramaiah Surapaneni,

Easy it is a thing to get, when the mind on it is set - Thirukkural Officers’ Voice, April 2017 8

Deputy Zonal Head and Assistant General Manager, PATNA Sri Sudhakar Pai S and Ms. Bhavana, Assistant Zonal Consultative Committee Meeting was held Manager, PAD. on 21st January at Zonal Office, Patna. CBOO was Ms. Bhavana welcomed the representatives represented by Manoranjan Kumar Verma, Zonal of Organisation. Initiating the discussions, Chairman, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Zonal Secretary, Sri Sudhakar Pai, Deputy Zonal Head shared Mukesh Prasad, Deputy Zonal Secretary and success story of demonetization with the co- Kirti, Zonal Lady Secretary. Sri U. Madhusudhan operation of all officers and staff. He expressed Rao, Zonal Head and Deputy General Manager, confidence in conversion of existing CBS system Sri Anjani Kumar Srivastava, Manager-Personnel to Finacle platform with the support of all officers represented the Management. and staff. He sought support for smooth completion Sri Anjani Kumar Srivastava welcomed the of the process without affecting Customer Service. participants and briefly outlined the importance Sri Venkatramaiah Surapaneni, Zonal Head of the meeting. Zonal Head, Sri U Madhusudan thanked the representatives of CBOO for cordial Rao highlighted glimpses of business of the Zone, relationship and for smooth functioning of the CASA growth after demonetization, the satisfactory branches in the Zone. He informed that there was business growth and the proposed opening of 5 new positive growth in Savings Bank and SME loan Branches in the Zone etc. He expressed concern and retail loan over last year. However, he raised over reduction in the advances of Zone, rising NPAs concern over negative growth in Current Account, and lack of proper follow up by the branches in Advances and also for the growth in NPA accounts curbing the same. in the Zone. He also appreciated the efforts made The CBOO team brought the following to the notice by the recovery team in achieving recovery of NPA of of Management team: Rs.100.00 Crore. Zonal Head informed that the long 1. Immediate need to open Currency Chest in standing demand for cash van would be a reality Patna through follow up with HO. soon. He raised concern on lack of support from 2. Requirement of a Service Branch for Patna Zone Help Desk for Finacle branches. He also expressed which will reduce the work pressure of Patna his concern on staff shortage in the Zone. Main Branch. CBOO representatives assured all support for the 3. Proper allocation of manpower to the branches betterment of the Zone. Following issues were taken by Z O. up by CBOO in the meeting: 4. Arbitrary debit by Currency Chest, Kolkata to 1. Proposal for additional Cash Van for LIC different branches. Zonal Head assured to look into the issues raised. 2. Problem faced by staff due to Finacle - Bhanu Pratap Singh, Zonal Secretary 3. Staff shortage in Branches affecting customer MEETINGS service and pressure on other officers HYDERABAD 4. Deputation constraints faced by Branches leading work aberrations. A meeting of the members was held at Hotel Suprabhat, Hyderabad on 19th February. President, Meeting ended with a positive note with Ekanath Baliga, General Secretary, Satish Shetty Zonal Management assuring to look into the issues and Treasurer, Y Sudhindra attended the meeting raised by CBOO. Ms. Bhavna thanked all the from Central Office along with Zonal functionaries. participants. Smt. Prashant Chandrashekhar, Deputy General - Nivruti N Ambedkar, Zonal Secretary Manager and Zonal Head too graced the occasion.

Are you strong? Do you feel Strength? Strength is the medicine for the world’s disease. - Swami Vivekananda Officers’ Voice, April 2017 9

He expressed concern over non-declaration of promotion vacancies from clerical grade to JMG Scale I. Non- promotion, coupled with absence of DRPO recruitment from IBPS will result in increased burden on the existing officers and severe staff crunch. Minimum required staff is not being given to the branches to run smoothly including the promised second officer after the new branches crossing Rs.5.00 crore business. Separate officers to be given where there is a scope for lending. He requested young members to take active part in organisational activities and extend their hands The proceedings commenced with invocation by of support in strengthening the Organisation by Smt. Manjula. Zonal Secretary, M S Prapanna adopting the values of CBOO. He made an appeal to all to participate in strike on 28th Feb 2017 and welcomed the gathering and placed before the make it a grand success. audience, the latest activities of the Zonal unit.

Zonal Head, Ms. Prashanth Chandrashekhar, addressing the gathering detailed on the performance of the Zone. She thanked the staff & retired staff for extending their support during the period of demonitization. She stressed on the need to focus on ARM (Agri, Retail & MSME lending), CANGAROO and recovery of NPAs and overdues.

Treasurer, Y Sudhindra, emphasised on lending which is the main objective of the Bank. Safe, healthy and quality lending gives the fruits in the form of profits to the Bank. It is the responsibility of every officer to follow the rules while processing, sanctioning and disbursing the loans. He focused on organisational issue of membership development and insisted upon every member to be a brand General Secretary, Satish Shetty narrated the ambassador of CBOO. He suggested all to read performance of the Bank, concerns about increase Officers’ Voicewhich would enrich knowledge about in NPAs. He emphasized on the need to generate banking sector, our internal circulars, employees’ income from main sources as well as other activities grievances and solutions and health tips etc. which is the need of the hour. Younger generation of Corp Bankers has to be given sufficient training in President, Ekanath Baliga expressed happiness lending and other main areas of business. Seniors for the unprecedented attendance. He also spoke have to share their knowledge and experiences about latest developments in the banking industry, with the junior colleagues. Union is also extending wage revision, the factors relating to the Strike on its support by conducting workshops in the areas 28th February and the developments at the UFBU of lending, documentation, NPA management and level. Government is trying for reduction of its stake recovery etc., he said. in PSBs and also at bank mergers. Mergers

The greatest discovery of the mankind is that man can alter his life by altering his attitude - S Chander Officers’ Voice, April 2017 10

Zonal Chairman, K V Ramakrishna made concluding remarks. Vote of thanks was proposed by Pankaj Kalyani, Deputy Zonal Secretary.

will lead to many employee- related problems. The employees of the merged banks will face second grade citizenship treatment at the acquirer bank. They will lose their promotion opportunities; their services will be treated differentially in comparison The programme was well compered by Bhavani, with the employees of the acquirer bank. This will Zonal Lady Secretary and P.K. Ramesh, Deputy be, apart from the threats of unreasonable transfers Zonal Secretary. The programme concluded with and demotivation after merger. He requested all to National Anthem. join in the journey of CBOO preserving the values and morals, it has been striving for, bringing those - M S Prapanna, Zonal Secretary who are still not with us into our fold and by RAJKOT carrying the banner of CBOO high in the days to come by devoting some time for the Organisation Members’ meeting was held on 26th January. and by taking future leadership. Kaushik Shukla, Zonal Chairman presided over the meeting. Secretary Women’s Wing L. Sobha Nair and Circle Secretary Rohit Rawal were present along with Zonal Head and Deputy General Manager, Shri Krishna Raja Rao. Former Zonal Secretary of Vadodara Zone, Sri Mahesh R Parekh was also present.

In the open session that followed, the members raised several issues a) Marketing staff being deployed for other banking works and thereby loosing marks in APAR due to less than expected performance. b) Frequent and mid - term transfers resulting in sufferings of the officers c) Provision of car and / or driver to Scale IV The meeting started with a prayer by Mr. Deepak officers. Kumar Sinha. Zonal Secretary, Pankaj Parekh welcomed the gathering and appraised about the d) Misutilisation of Whatsapp facility for purposes activities undertaken by the unit during past one other than organisational and bank related year. issues.

Ignorance and absence of discipline are the causes of man’s troubles. - Kautilya Officers’ Voice, April 2017 11

The Zonal Head, Shri Krishna Raja Rao in his address acknowledged the contributions of CBOO in Zonal Chairman, Kaushik Shukla in his the lives of officers. He also spoke in detail about the presidential address voiced the concerns of staff house keeping at branches, various discrepancies shortage and other related issues. He also informed observed in the credit portfolio, reporting of staff the efforts of the Zonal unit in addressing the same. lapses, creation of ROC in time and lodgement of This was followed by an open session where RBIA reports etc. It was a very informative session members voiced their concerns: as most of the participants were young Branch a. Inadequacy of the prevailing training system. Managers. b. Need for a scientific assessment of manpower. c. Transparency in transfers.

Secretary Women’s Wing, Shobha L explained about AIBOC and UFBU related developments, the Deputy Zonal Secretary, Yashovardhan Singh contradictions in IBA approach over Wage revision Jadeja proposed the vote of thanks. The proceedings negotiation, need for appointment of Directors were ably compered by Shri Sachin Verma, Chief on bank boards from officer/ workmen unions, Manager. the need for young members to rise and demand for OPS in place of the existing NPS and need for - Pankaj Parekh, Zonal Secretary membership development etc. VALUE OF TIME Circle Secretary, Rohit D Rawal, advised the Time is free; but it is priceless officers to be cautious while discharging their duties. You can’t own it; but you can use it He informed the house that with this motive in You can’t keep it; but you can spend it mind CBOO under the banner of Balasubramaniam Once you have lost it, you can never get it back Foundation is organizing 2 - day workshop for first time Branch Managers and junior officers. KAALAAYA TASMAI NAMAHA

Wisdom is the capacity to use knowledge in the right way. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 12

women's wing

CHENNAI

Women’s Day was celebrated by Chennai Unit on the 5th of March, at Sree Balaji Hall at Chennai. About 50 lady colleagues attended the function. Sobha L, Secretary Women’s Wing was also present. Malasyian-Chinese origin International Chef and a trainer with Singapore Airlines (Traditional Methods of Cooking - the Right and Best Way to Cook), Ms. Ann Saravanan, an M Tech and a Master in Yoga (Work-Home Balance and Positive Approach to Issues in Life) addressed the gathering.

The programme started with a prayer song - Tamil Thaay Vayuthu. The traditional lighting of Kuthuvillaku (Lamp) was done by Sobha L, P. Rangarajan, Circle Secretary, P Nagarajan, Secretary, Women’s Wing along with P Rangarajan, Zonal Secretary also spoke on the occasion. Circle Secretary, K R Baskar, Zonal Chairman, Inaugural Session came to an end with the Vote P Nagarajan, Zonal Secretary and Usha Kumar of Thanks proposed by Mrs.Nirupa M, Zonal Lady Deputy Zonal Secretary. Secretary.

This was followed by the welcome address by Usha In the second session, Secretary, Women’s Wing, Kumar, Deputy Zonal Secretary. She spoke about Sobha L spoke on the problems faced by ladies at the origin of Women’s Day, the inception and role of various centres, especially after Finacle as people Women’s Wing in CBOO. are going home at 10.30 – 11.00 p.m. This is causing Dr.Geethalakshmi Kuberan, a leading gynecologist a lot of stress and tension for ladies, travelling and Professor of Gynecology at Kasturba Gandhi very late which is unsafe too. She requested the Hospital (The Importance of Having a Proper women officers to express and report any untoward Breakfast Everyday) Ms. Chef Bee Bee Martinent, a happening at work place.

Success comes when you attract it with hard work, lure it with effort, pamper it with determination and love it with commitment. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 13

Thereafter in the interactive session, a lot of issues Post lunch session witnessed games for ladies which were raised by women members relating to work, was well organised by Ms. Nirupa M, Zonal Lady office environment etc., to which the Women’s Wing Secretary. All ladies took part and the celebrations Secretary responded. came to a close with the National Anthem. - Nirupa M, Zonal Lady Secretary and Usha Kumar, Deputy Zonal Secretary

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Text of AIBOC Circular No.2017/17 dated 21.03.2017 11TH TRIENNIAL GENERAL COUNCIL OF AIBOC HELD AT PINK CITY, JAIPUR FROM 17TH TO 19TH MARCH, 2017 – GRAND SUCCESS

In line with great tradition of AIBOC, the 11th up the issues. He said the Public Sector Banks Triennial General Council was held at Deep Smriti and Officers have the trust of the people. Com. Y. Auditorium, Mansarovar, Jaipur from 17th to 19th Sudarshan, President, AIBOC delivered his befitting March, 2017. speech. The inaugural session concluded with vote of thanks presented by Com. Vinay Kumar Bhalla. The curtain raiser of the Conference was the massive rally in the city of Jaipur. The rally During the two - day delegate session, the Dais was consisting of more than 2000 officers marched adorned by Senior Leaders of AIBOC. The report of through the meandering roads of Jaipur starting the General Secretary, the Statement of Accounts from Aravali Marg, Police Station to Conference and the Resolutions were placed by General Venue. The inaugural session started at the Secretary and Com. Pankaj Kapoor, Treasurer picturesque Deep Smriti Auditorium with welcome of AIBOC. As many as 85 delegates including address delivered by Com. B.L. Goyal, Chairman, many young and lady comrades deliberated on the Organising Committee and President of Rajasthan General Secretary’s report. State Committee. Shri Dibakar Mohanty, Managing Director, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur and After detailed deliberation and marathon reply of Shri Ashok Lahoti, Mayor of Jaipur were the Guests two hours by the General Secretary, the General of Honour. With the lighting of the Traditional Secretary’s Report was approved with thundering Lamp by guests, the Conference got inaugurated. applause. The outgoing General Secretary Com. Com. Harvinder Singh, General Secretary, AIBOC Harvinder Singh was felicitated with standing rendered introductory remarks highlighting ovation by all participants. Thereafter, the election problems of the officers with a request to Hon’ble for the next Triennial Term 2017-20 was held and Mayor to raise the issues with the Finance Minister. the Council unanimously elected Com. Dilip Saha, Shri Ashok Lahoti, Hon’ble Mayor, Jaipur Nagar General Secretary of All India Punjab National Bank Nigam gave a spirited address and assured to take Officers’ Association as President and Com. Franco Officers’ Voice, April 2017 14

Rajendra Dev Thomas, President of All India State the contribution of Com. Y. Sudarshan and Com. Bank Officers’ Federation as General Secretary. Harvinder Singh. The Conference was a grand All Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Joint success. A detailed circular will be issued by newly General Secretaries, Deputy General Secretaries elected General Secretary Com. Franco Rajendra were also elected unanimously by the delegates. Dev Thomas. Some positions will be filled up in the first EC after With comradely greetings, seeking nominations from Affiliates. All the new leaders were felicitated by the delegates. Comradely Yours, Sd/- The Council passed resolution acknowledging (HARVINDER SINGH)

Date: 22.03.2017 MESSAGE My Dear Beloved Comrades, Brothers and Sisters, EVERY BEGINNING HAS AN END TO GIVE SPACE TO A NEW BEGINNING I am deeply touched by love and affection showered and support, due to which I could traverse these on me and messages of gratitude received in large challenging times. numbers on my laying down the office of General Considering the unity, strength and fighting skills Secretary of the mighty organization, All India Bank of our mighty organisation, the proposed changes Officers’ Confederation. In fact, these were your in the banking industry, in the name of reforms, well-meaning warm wishes received by me during are neither to be ignored nor to be apprehended all these years that kept me enthused, inspired and about. Certainly, there are vested interests which motivated. would want and push for the changes suiting their The Banking Industry has seen enormous turns agenda. Comrades, you all are highly educated and tribulations all these years. The trade union and capable of evaluating the present position. movement in the banking industry is one of the You must analyze the finer points, believe in the biggest trade union movements in history which strength of the organization and above all believe has witnessed huge upheavals, confronted and in your leadership. The unanimously elected new withstood the same by adopting effective strategies, team of office bearers under the leadership of Com. monitored and modified, suiting the needs of Dilip Saha and Com. Franco Rajendra Dev Thomas, the hours. I am indebted to all my predecessors with wide exposure and experience, are the right in this movement who had played key roles and choice of Delegates and Observers assembled in strengthened this great organization for all of us to 11th Triennial General Council at Jaipur. I am take forward. sure that future leadership has the acumen to devise the right strategy to take on the changes, Comrades, it is you all, who gave me the opportunity keeping in mind the interest of you all. I am also and responsibility to steer this great organization confident that you will repose even more faith and through these difficult times. It was in the 70th cooperation to the new leadership. Executive Committee meeting held on 28.06.2013 at Kolkata when house unanimously reposed faith Once again, I convey sincere thanks from the core in me. I did my best to maintain the confidence of my heart to each one of you. May God Bless you. and your continued, unstinted faith encouraged Amen!! me to discharge my responsibilities as General Comradely Yours, Secretary of AIBOC with all sincerity, dedication and with zeal to get a just and proper treatment Sd/- for all my fellow officers in the banking industry. (HARVINDER SINGH) I bow my head in reverence to you all for the love

There can be no worship without good actions - Guru Nanak Officers’ Voice, April 2017 15

Text of AIBOC Circular No. 2017/18 dated 23.03.2017 TOGETHER WE MARCH FORWARD

Thank you for electing us as President and General l Watch dog role – Legal, RTI etc.

Secretary of this mighty Confederation. We believe l Creation of Data Base, Website updation and in collective leadership. The challenges ahead faster communication are huge. But when we march together we can l Mobilizing public opinion surmount any challenge. Banking Sector We have already done some follow up with Labour Ministry on gratuity. The Save Public Sector l Five-day week

Movement had a March to the parliament yesterday l Regulated Working hour which was addressed by your General Secretary. l Capital for banks (AIBOC could not participate in great strength as l Non-performing assets we had our triennial). Tomorrow we are having a meeting at Kolkata to discuss the MOU proposed for l Privatization, Merger and consolidation 10 banks by the Finance Ministry. We are going to l Digital banking have Working Committee and Executive Committee l Gyan Sangam on 11th and 12th of April to chalk out an action l Advertisements by payment banks plan based on the delegate session discussions in our triennial. The organization will always remain l CTC & Variable pay in different forms apolitical and take up issues of the Banking Sector l Cross selling and Trade Union Movement. l Officer / Employee Directors The following were the highlights of the General l Loan write offs Council discussion which we request you to l Taxes paid by PSBs ponder and give additional inputs to prepare one l Grameen & Co-op Banks - year action plan for the approval of the Executive l Effects of Demonetisation Committee and then take it forward in fast track. Wage revision & Service Conditions

Organisation l Wage Revision in time l Starting a Research Wing l Medical insurance or Medical Reimbursement l Funding of State Units & District Units and Medical insurance for retirees l Visit to states and address Members’ Meet l Leave fare concession l Youth wing & Youth Convention, Youth l Special allowances

Leadership Workshop l Special area allowances to N.E., Andaman, l Women’s Wing & Women’s Convention & Women Sikkim, HP, J&K and other Hill/disturbed areas

Leaders’ Workshop l Holiday working l Leadership Programme for EC Members & l Uniform Service Conditions & Loan Eligibility & others Loan Insurance l Approach to other Trade Unions l Spouse Transfer Policy l Strengthen RRBOA & Co-op Sector Officers’ l Reservation in Central Schools Associations l Compassionate appointment l Problems of Private Banks - outsourcing, Lateral l CTS holidays Recruitment etc. l Superannuation benefits revision, Gratuity l Media Relations l Shortage of officers l DLB Officers’ Organisation – support l Lodging Expenses for Defence Representatives l Defence Representatives’ Training l NPS to assured pension l Bankers’ Vidyalayas l Working conditions & welfare activities Officers’ Voice, April 2017 16

l Crèche facility swasti l Work from home l Water scarcity allowances in certain areas General Secretary l Removal of minimum distance clause in hills JAIPUR l Duty relief for office bearers A social activity project under the banner of SWASTI l Holiday for Buddha Jayanti was conducted on 18th March at Govt. Secondary l Protection of women and officers School Hathorai, Jaipur. The school imparts l BCG Recommendations on HR education to around 250 students (boys and girls) from economically weaker section of the society l 10 bank proposal to reduce perquisites hailing from the surrounding areas. The School l Special leave for lady officers is run in a house located in the heart of the city, l Stagnation increment l DPC cases & punishments & Accountability, Personal Hearing etc. Others: l Labour law amendment to be resisted l Save Public Sector Campaign Dear Comrades,

These issues were highlighted by 85 delegates in the General Council and these will become our base for action plan. donated by a philanthropist around 4 decades ago.

As one Comrade pointed out SWASTI donated a water cooler, a water purifier for drinking water facility for students (and 3 green First they came for Jews- I did not react because I boards separately by Jaipur Zonal unit members) was not a Jew, totally worth more than Rs.35000/-.

Then they came for the communists - I did not react Ekanath Baliga, President, G Raghuraman and because I was not a communist, Anil Pahwa, Vice Presidents, Satish Shetty, General Secretary and other members of Executive Then they came for Catholics - I did not react Committee were present along with Sriram Meena, because I was not a Catholic, Zonal Chairman, Rakesh Kumar Meena, Zonal Then they came for me - There was no one left to Secretary, Somant Tak, Deputy Zonal Secretary react for me. and Kailash Chand Meena, Area Secretary and other activists. The programme was also attended So let us watch what is happening around. Let us by Mr. Vimal Kumar, Zonal Head, Sri Tanveer unite together, struggle together and save banking Ahmed, Deputy Zonal Head and Mr. L C Chawla, sector. Save Public Sector and Save India. Chief Manager.

Looking forward to your valuable suggestions, Mrs. Indira Dhankhad, Headmistress of the school actions and a great movement to March Forward. welcomed all and gave a details about the school and background of the students. She thanked for Always at your service. the support extended by the CBOO to the school Sd/- Sd/- and also requested for future support from CBOO/ (Dilip. K. Saha) (D. Thomas Franco Bank. President Rajendra Dev) Mr. Vimal Kumar, Zonal Head addressed the gathering and requested to students and staff to

Speak kind words; you will get kind echoes. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 17 open their account in the nearby branches and avail the banking facility from Corporation Bank.

Rakesh Kumar Meena, Zonal Secretary proposed vote of thanks and thanked the School authorities for giving an opportunity to CBOO to conduct an activity under SWASTI.

Satish Shetty, General Secretary gave a brief on - Rakesh Kumar Meena, Zonal Secretary CBOO, SWASTI and its activity for the society. He HEAD OFFICE advised the children to acquire more knowledge and continue education. SWASTI donated a computer and other related accessories to Rakteshwari Padavu Government Primary School, near Guruvayanakere on 11th March. The school is located at a remote village in the Dakshina Kannada District in the midst of forest and agricultural area. 36 children belonging to the remote area are imparted primary education by 2 teachers up to 5th Standard in Kannada medium.

Ekanath Baliga, President told students not to feel any inferiority with their economic background as also for studying in Hindi medium. By hard work they would succeed. He also requested the children to strive for higher studies, avail loans given by the banks for this purpose, repay them promptly and become very good citizens of the country. A programme was arranged to hand over the donated items. Ekanath Baliga, President, Satish Shetty, General Secretary, K B Prasada and B Sridhar, Joint General Secretaries, S Prakash Rao, Secretary, Benevolent Fund and Nitin Kumar, Zonal Secretary, Head Office unit were present.

Ekanath Baliga, President along with others from CBOO handed over the computer and other peripherals to the Head Mistress. He hoped the

The happiness of every country depends upon the character of its people rather than the form of its Government - Thomas C Haliburton. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 18

Children who had won prizes in the recently held Taluka level talent competitions were felicitated.

Headmistress of the School, Smt. Chaitraprabha welcomed; SKDRDP Supervisor, Sri Umesh K proposed vote of thanks. Assistant Teacher Smt. Lavanya compeered the programme.

- Nitin Kumar, Zonal Secretary

Banks cannot insist on ID proof to cash bearer cheque children would be able to gain computer operation knowledge which would empower them in their Overturning an order of the Maharashtra State future career. He suggested the children to open Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, bank accounts and develop the habit of savings. the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), last week, termed the refusal of HDFC Bank to hand over cash to a bearer of a cheque, after verifying his credentials through the account holder, as “a clear case of deficiency in service”. The order from NCDRC, issued on 15 March 2017, states, “No doubt the complainant had not furnished his ID, but the fact remains that admittedly not only the cashier but also the Bank Manager separately rang up the account holder on his mobile number, who verified having issued the subject cheque and gave clearance for encashment. The bank officials, however, declined to encash the cheque. This, in our view, is a clear deficiency in General Secretary, Satish Shetty advised the service.” children to learn and follow good moral values, The order relates to a consumer complaint filed by equip themselves with technology, accomplish Mumbai resident, Sri Prakash Sheth against HDFC a good academic course and become very good Bank. Sheth required Rs.3 lakh to be deposited in citizens of the country. the hospital for treatment of his ailing mother, in 2010. He requested his nephew, Sri Chirag, for the Sri Vasant Kumar, President of Village Forest money. Chirag gave a bearer cheque to Sheth, who Committee, Sri Yadav Gowda, President of School then presented the bearer cheque on 7 May, 2010 Development Committee also spoke on the occasion at HDFC Bank. The cashier in the bank asked him and appreciated CBOO’s donation to the subject to come back at 4 p.m. because of insufficiency of remote school. funds. When he returned at 4 p.m., the cashier asked for his photo ID which Sheth was not carrying. The cashier then called up Chirag to seek verification of issuance of the bearer cheque. Chirag confirmed it, but the cashier refused to honour the cheque and Sheth was asked to meet the branch manager. The branch manager too checked with Chirag to confirm that he indeed had issued the cheque. Despite that, the manger insisted that Chirag should personally come to the bank, which the latter was unable to. The branch manager then

The first test of a truly great man is humility - John Ruskin Officers’ Voice, April 2017 19 refused to honour the cheque. under the definition of consumer which includes the Claiming this to be deficiency in customer service, beneficiary of the service hired or availed. Thus, the Sheth filed a complaint in the Consumer Forum at complaint is maintained.” The NCDRC also pointed South Mumbai District, seeking compensation to out that in response to an application under Right the tune of Rs.1 lakh towards mental agony and to Information (RTI) filed by the bank, a part of physical harassment. Sheth also appealed for a the response clearly states that, “the bank should directive to the bank to stop this practice. The bank not ordinarily insist on the presence of account was served a notice; but it claimed that it had rightly holder for making cash withdrawals in case of not honoured the cheque as per guidelines from the ‘self’ or ‘bearer’ cheques unless the circumstances Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The District Forum so warrant. The banks should pay self or bearer therefore dismissed the complaint. Subsequently, cheques taking usual precautions.” the Maharashtra State Commission too dismissed “From this it is evident that Reserve Bank has Sheth’s petition, stating that the bank had rightfully cautioned banks in the country to be careful adhered to RBI guidelines. while encashing the bearer cheques if the amount As per RBI guidelines, banks have been advised exceeds Rs.50,000 and insist on the verification of that “in case of transactions carried out by a non- ID, as also the address. No doubt, the complainant account based customer, that is a walk-in customer, had not furnished his ID, but the fact remains where the amount of transaction is equal to or that admittedly, not only the cashier but also the exceeds Rs50,000, whether conducted as a single bank manager separately rang up the account transaction or several transactions that appear to holder on his mobile number who confirmed having be connected, the customer’s identity and address issued the subject cheque and gave clearance for should be verified”. However, Sheth’s contention encashment. The bank officials, however, declined was that two officials of HDFC Bank had personally to encash the cheque. This, in our view, is a clear cross-checked with the account holder which deficiency in service.” proved that it was a clear case of harassment. Another rule from RBI states, “In the event In this case, while the State Commission dismissed the individual tendering the instrument is not Sheth’s petition, it upheld that although Sheth carrying the identity and there is urgency to was not an account holder of HDFC Bank, he still pay, the transaction has to be referred to the was a consumer. The Commission observed “… branch manager. The branch manager shall make the consumer is not only the person who hires or appropriate enquiries as deemed fit and shall avails the services of the service provider, but the use his discretion to allow the transaction. Such beneficiary also. It is argued that once the account discretion has to be used judiciously as strict one- holder had issued a cheque in favour of someone, off cases, only upon satisfactory confirmation of he automatically becomes the beneficiary and the bona fides of the transactions.” therefore he is a consumer”. The National Commission declared HDFC Sheth then approached the National Commission. Bank’s stance in not honouring Sheth’s cheque In its order on 15 March 2017, the Commission as ‘deficiency of service’ and asked it to pay stated “…from the affidavits of Chirag Natvarlal compensation of Rs.10,000 to him for harassment Sheth and Prakash Sheth (the complainant), and humiliation. Prakash Sheth says, “Most banks it is amply proved that the bank telephonically contacted Chirag Sheth twice to verify whether or harass such non-account holders who come with not he has given bearer cheque to the complainant bearer cheques. Mine was perhaps the first challenge and the account holder Chirag Sheth confirmed the before a legal forum. This case will spread literacy said fact. From the above, it is clear that the bank amongst consumers or bearer cheque holders and officials were categorically informed by the account will hopefully be a lesson to similar banks who holder that he had issued the cheque and given it to adopt this malpractice.” Prakash Sheth. Therefore, he, in our view, was the beneficiary of the cheque and as such he is covered - Moneylife, 22/03/2017

Little deeds of kindness, little words of love Help to make earth happy, like the heaven above - Julia A F Carney Officers’ Voice, April 2017 20

6. Generation of Probable SMA- 1 and SMA – 2 circular round up accounts (MSME Division, HO Circular No. 121/2017 dated 1. Precautions while Sanctioning Fresh Corp 22/02/2017) SME Liquid Plus and Corp Timber Traders Loan Plum Report for generating probable SMA – 1 and (MSME Division, HO Circular No. 105/2017 dated SMA – 2 accounts under MSME enabled for effective 14/02/2017) monitoring of these accounts. Prior permission from Circle General Manager 8. Revision in Scale of Finance for Jewel Loans shall be obtained for all fresh loans of above (Priority Sector Division, HO Circular No. 123/2017 dated Rs.1.00 crore under CSLPS/ CSLPT and CTTTC/ 23/02/2017) CTTTL. Sanctioning Authority shall ensure that the property mortgaged shall be visited by Branch Scale of finance for jewel loans revised to Rs. Manager and officials of Zonal Office either jointly 2000/- per gram irrespective of tenure of the loan or severally so as to ascertain actual market value with effect from 24/02/2017. of the property. 9. Jewel Loans – Adherence to Guidelines 2. Acceptance of RD/FRD instalments (Priority Sector Division, HO Circular No. 124/2017 dated (P & D Division, HO Circular No. 113/2017 dated 23/02/2017) 16/02/2017) Branches shall strictly adhere to the scheme Clearing cheques shall not be accepted for credit of guidelines before sanctioning/disbursing the credit RD/FRD instalments. Proceeds of clearing cheques facility. Important aspects to be taken care are shall be credited to SB accounts. Subsequently, fresh furnished in the circular. cheques to be issued for credit of RD/FRD accounts. 10. Verification of Functioning of CCTV/DVR 3. Precautions while Sanctioning Fresh Corp System SME Liquid Plus and Corp Timber Traders Loan (Security Division, HO Circular No. 131/2017 dated (MSME Division, HO Circular No. 114/2017 dated 03/03/2017) 17/02/2017) Directions on keeping the CCTV/DVR systems, Format for seeking in-principle permission for fresh configuring In Motion Detection mode, process flow loans above Rs. 1.00 crore under CSLPS/ CSLPT of viewing the playback of recording, periodical and CTTTC/CTTTLCSLPS/ CSLPT and CTTTC/ verification and maintaining a record of the same CTTTL is furnished in the circular. and escalating the deficiencies found, if any, shall be complied with. 4. Modified Formats under Amended Security Interest (Enforcement) Rules, 2002 11. Observations by RBI Inspecting Officials ( LSD, HO Circular No.116/2017 dated 17/02/2017) (Credit Division, HO Circular No. 133/2017 dated 06/03/2017) Modified Demand Notice, Panchanama, Possession Notice, Certificate of Sale of Movable Property and Branches/other offices shall strictly adhere Sale Certificate of Immovable Property are furnished to guidelines/procedures and ensure that the in the annexure to the circular. deficiencies pointed out by RBI inspecting officials in the AFI of the Bank do not recur. 5. Provision of Fire and Burglar Resistant Safe in Branches 12. Aadhar Seeding and Mobile Seeding into (Security Division, HO Circular No. 118/2017 dated Operative Savings Bank Accounts 18/02/2017) (Priority Sector Division, HO Circular No. 136/2017 dated 08/03/2017) In supersession of earlier guidelines, fresh guidelines have been issued in respect of provision of Fire and Aadhar seeding and mobile seeding into operative Burglar Resistant (FBR) safes in Branches. SB accounts shall be done on mission mode.

Giving up, is the ultimate tragedy - Robert J Donovan Officers’ Voice, April 2017 21

13. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana – banking round up Simplification of Procedure (MSME Division, HO Circular No. 137/2017 dated Get set to pay more for cash services in banks 08/03/2017) Customers of private lenders HDFC Bank and New guidelines covering the nomenclature, other Axis Bank will have to shell out more for cash procedures to be followed are furnished in the transactions beyond free limits from March 1. circular. Other than senior citizens and children, HDFC 14. Formats for Carrying out Unit Visit Bank customers will be charged Rs. 150 per (Credit Division, HO Circular No. 138/2017 dated transaction at branches beyond the four free ones 08/03/2017) each month. Axis Bank said that it will allow five Guidelines on the unit visits, formats for recording free transactions a month (including deposits and the visit and recovery of the charges thereof are withdrawals). From the sixth transaction onwards, furnished in the circular. customers would be charged at the rate of Rs. 2.50 per Rs. 1,000/= subject to a minimum fee of Rs. 15. Termination of Service Providers 95 per transaction. For home branch transactions, (Priority Sector Division, HO Circular No. 139/2017 dated HDFC Bank will allow deposits or withdrawals of up 09/03/2017) to Rs. 2 lakh free of cost at one go per day. Beyond List of Business Correspondents whose services this, customers will have to pay a charge at the rate have been terminated is furnished. No work to be of Rs. 5 per Rs. 1,000, or Rs. 150 would be charged. furnished to them in future. At non-home branches, transactions beyond Rs. 25,000 a day will attract a charge of Rs. 5 per Rs. 16. Examination of Staff Lapses in NPA Accounts 1,000, or Rs. 150. (IAD, HO Circular No. 140/2017 dated 10/03/2017) In the case of Axis Bank, up to five non-home Branches/offices to complete examination of staff branch transactions will be free, subject to a lapses in all accounts as on 30/09/2016. maximum per-day deposit of Rs. 50,000. For larger 17. Legal Decisions Affecting Bankers deposits or the sixth transaction, Axis would charge (LSD, HO Circular No. 141/2017 dated 10/03/2017) Rs. 2.50 per Rs. 1,000, or Rs. 95 per transaction, As per the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court of whichever is higher. A spokesperson said that no India, a decree for permanent injunction can be charges were imposed for “forced” cash deposits executed against the judgement debtor or his legal during demonetisation. However, some charges representatives. were restored from January 1. ICICI Bank said that it has not increased its cash charges since last 18. Process of Promotion in Officers’ Cadres June. Other private banks such as Karur Vysya (HRM & PAD, HO Memorandum No.33/2017 dated Bank, City Union Bank and DCB Bank confirmed 07/03/2017) that they are not charging their customers for cash Online Test for promotion from Scale I to II and II transactions before or after demonetisation. to III will be held on 22/04/2017. Venue will be - The Times of India, 03/03/2017 intimated in due course. Centre to all banks: Launch Aadhaar Pay 19. Financial Literacy by Financial Literacy Centre (FLCs) In a bid to push digital payments across the country, (PSD, HO Circular No.143/2017 dated 13/03/2017) the Centre has asked all banks to lunch Aadhaar Branches to conduct “Going Digital” camps through Pay which will facilitate financial transactions by UPI and USSD in addition to specific camps using fingerprints, by the end of the month. All conducted by FLCs and rural branches. Reporting banks will also have to enable `Pay to Aadhaar’ mechanism too is furnished in the circular. facility on the BHIM app by March 31 with SBI and Punjab National Bank asked to provide the facility

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after the other. - Walter Elliott Officers’ Voice, April 2017 22 by the end of the week. This feature on BHIM will the processes involved in preparation of resolution help in making payments by simply entering the plan of S4A or Scheme for Sustainable Structuring 12-digit Aadhaar number. of Stressed Assets. Essar Steel’s debt recast is outside S4A and hence outside the purview of the The twin moves, which will make digital transactions overseeing committee. easier, will encourage the use of online payments among the poor and illiterate in rural areas. The A consortium of 17 lenders has already classified government has nudged banks to expedite seeding the Essar Steel loan as sub-standard in the quarter of Aadhaar numbers and also mobile numbers ending March 2016. Any delay in restructuring the which are key to accelerate the big initiative. Experts loans now would mean that banks would have to believe that Aadhaar Pay will become an alternative set aside more money as provisions in the fourth for all online and card transactions which require quarter. Banks have to set aside 15% in the first password and PIN. year as provisions for bad loans which would - The Times of India, 07/03/2017 increase to 25% in the second year. Beginning March 2017 quarter, banks would have set aside Banks Defer Essar Steel Debt Recast, to take 25% as provisions for Essar Steel. Rs 44000 cr Hit - The Economic Times, 03/03/2017 Banks are set to take a hit of hundreds of crores in the March quarter as the biggest loan restructuring IDBI Bank Freezes Lending & Branch Expansion of Essar Steel would be pushed to next fiscal year Plans since none of the bankers want to risk the prospect The government-owned IDBI Bank has decided to of being questioned by investigative authorities few freeze lending and branch expansion plans after years down the line. In January, bankers led by the it posted a historic loss of Rs. 2,255 crore in the State Bank of India informally agreed to recast the third quarter in an effort to conserve capital, a Rs. 44,000 crore loans of Essar Steel that has been buffer that banks keep as a cushion against loan struggling to repay for over a year now. However, defaults. Instead, it has decided to focus on bad within days of this development, the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested five IDBI Bank officials, loan recoveries which are almost a fifth of its loan including former CMD Yogesh Agarwal, for lending book. “The circumstances are such that we are not to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. “We were in a position to expand or lend in a big way because hopeful of sealing the deal by March-end; but with of constrains to the capital,” Kishor Kharat, CEO the arrest of IDBI officials, lenders have developed of IDBI Bank, told ET. Senior officials from the cold feet. Now banks will go ahead with debt recast industry said the decision for a ‘pause on business’ of any company only if the package is endorsed was taken after three rounds of meeting between by an external committee,” said two senior bank the top management of IDBI Bank and the finance officials who did not want to be named. ministry in the past one month. “Knowing well that our capital is depleting, we have started a war The arrests of IDBI officials shocked the banking against defaulting borrowers. Our recovery and industry leading to paralysis in decision making. upgradation have been much higher than our peers “This is particularly so because Kingfisher is tagged today. We have created crack teams and accounts as willful defaulter for not repaying Rs. 9,000 have been distributed to individuals across the crore of loans and its promoter Vijay Mallya fled the country in March 2016. The bank suffered bank for recovery,” said Kharat. huge losses and the bankers are now behind bars,” - The Economic Times, 27/02/2017 pointed out a bank official. Bankers have asked the Reserve Bank of India to enhance the scope of the Bhim App sees record 17 million installs: Niti overseeing committee to vet all types of debt recast. Aayog CEO Kant As of now, the overseeing committee (OC) comprises Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), a mobile app of eminent experts who will independently review pushed by the government to make digital payments

No individual raindrop ever considered itself responsible for the flood. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 23 a mass movement in India, has seen over 17 million the ongoing financial stress continues. Telecom installs (downloads), a world record, Amitabh Kant, operators cumulatively owe over Rs 4.5 lakh crore CEO, NITI Aayog, has said. The Centre will also soon to various banks. According to top sources in the roll out a cash-back scheme to give a further boost Telecom Ministry, JS Deepak, Secretary, DoT, has to the use of BHIM, Kant told media persons here written to regulator TRAI, asking it to review the on Tuesday. Launched in end-December by Prime situation and take urgent action. “Being a highly Minister Narendra Modi, the BHIM App has seen capital intensive sector, there is a continuous need one update that made the ‘Pay to Aadhaar’ number to invest in network upgradation and rollout to a new payment option. Seven new languages — provide adequate quality of services both in rural Odia, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and urban areas,” the official wrote in the note to and Gujarati -- have also been introduced as part the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). of the update. This is besides English and Hindi on Rs 3.08 lakh crore due which BHIM was initially launched on the Android platform. BHIM is now also available on the iOS While Rs 1.90 lakh crore has been paid so far, platform. The total value transacted in January in the remainder of Rs 3.08 lakh crore, including respect of BHIM app is estimated at Rs 356.6 core, the interest, is yet to be paid. Deepak said TRAI according with NITI Aayog. has stipulated that promotional offers cannot extend beyond 90 days hence the regulator must - The Hindu Business Line, 22/02/2017 implement this rule. TRAI had earlier allowed RJio RBI deputy Guv Acharya targets toxic loans of to continue the promotional offer for an additional banks 90-day period on grounds that the company had Economist Viral Acharya spent nearly two decades launched a different promotional scheme after the studying banking crises around the world. Now, end of the stipulated three-month period. as a deputy governor at India’s central bank, he is - The Hindu Business Line, 02/03/2017 turning his attention to one that may be developing at home. At issue is what to do with $133 billion in Drive to make all savings bank accounts internet stressed assets accumulated by banks after years enabled by March 31 of reckless lending, a problem that has bedevilled The government may make all savings bank accounts regulators and stalled loans India needs to revive automatically internet-enabled by March 31, in private investment. Acharya has put the issue another step to further ease the process cashless back in the headlines. In a speech last week, the transactions. Also, plans are afoot to provide RuPay RBI official proposed creating “bad bank”-type cards to the maximum population through a mass institutions to buy and restructure stressed loans, circulation drive. Currently 65 percent of bank along with an approach to banks and defaulters account holders are linked to Internet banking. that he called “tough love.” According to a Reserve Bank of India press release With the government ambivalent towards the of March 2016, the total number of savings bank creation of “bad banks” to take on toxic debt, accounts in 2015 was 1,170 million, as compared Acharya’s comments made markets sit up and to 978 million in 2014. were seen by some economists as a signal of - The Hindu Business Line, 02/03/2017 intent to tackle the issue. Fitch Ratings warned it was unlikely to work unless the government was Post amalgamation, 1500 branches of SBI, prepared to inject some $10.4 billion it believes the associates will be merged sector needs by March 2019, given banks would About 1,500 branches of State Bank of India and need to cover for haircuts. its five associate banks will be merged following - The Times of India, 02/03/2017 amalgamation of the latter with their parent bank, Telecom sector may default on loan repayments: DoT said a top official. According to government orders The Department of Telecom (DoT) has warned that issued on February 22 under the State Bank of the sector may default on its loan repayments if India Act, 1955, the entire undertaking of State

We reform others unconsciously when we walk uprightly. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 24

Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, Zero Balance State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, Though nearly one-fourth of the total PMJDY and State Bank of Hyderabad will stand transferred accounts still remain zero-balance, the situation to and vested in State Bank of India from April 1, has improved significantly over the November- 2017. The branch rationalisation will happen in the February period of 2015-16. At the beginning of the second half of the next financial year, said Rajnish demonetisation process, the zero-balance accounts Kumar, Managing Director (National Banking stood at 23.27 percent of the total deposits. It came Group), State Bank of India. down to 22.84 percent by November 30. After 100 - The Hindu Business Line, 02/03/2017 days of demonetisation, the zero-balance accounts stood at 24.86 percent. The share of such accounts Number of Jan Dhan a/cs rose by 2.26 crore was 37.16 percent of the total as of November 4, after note ban 2015. However, it fell to 28.87 percent by February The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bank 24, 2016. notes on November 8 last year seems to have given a thrust to new account opening under the - The Hindu Business Line, 02/03/2017 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). A Central KYC systems get going hundred days after demonetisation, the number of accounts under the PMJDY has increased by 2.26 After months of delay, the central KYC system crore and deposits by Rs.19,084 crore. The scheme (C-KYC) seems to be finally taking off. About 1,200 had witnessed a growth of around 1.87 crore in the entities regulated by financial regulators have already number of accounts and Rs. 6,720 crore in deposits started uploading KYC records in the C-KYC. The during the November-February period of 2015-16. system is owned by the government entity Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and The number of PMJDY accounts increased to 27.77 Security Interest of India (CERSAI) and maintained crore (February 22) from 25.51 crore (November by Dotex International, a subsidiary of the NSE. 9), during the 100-odd days post-demonetisation. Sources in the NSE said that about 1,200 entities A major share of new PMJDY accounts came from are already at the testing stage. Uttar Pradesh (57.11 lakh), followed by Maharashtra (25.05 lakh) and Madhya Pradesh (24.11 lakh). De-duplication process The total number of PMJDY accounts crossed the C-KYC will result in substantial cost savings one-crore mark in Assam, Gujarat and Karnataka with an average cost of about Rs 1 an upload, during the 100 days post-demonetisation. The total download or update. Currently, MFs and securities number of accounts fell below the November 9 market intermediaries pay about Rs 20-35 a KYC. level in Andaman, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, The C-KYC registry has a robust de-duplication Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Tripura. process to ensure that no duplicate C-KYC ID is During the period, the amount in PMJDY accounts issued. This helps link one client with a single increased to Rs. 64,721 crore (February 22) from Rs. ID by de-duplicating all his relationships, be it 45,637 crore (November 9). Deposits had reached bank accounts, demat accounts, trading accounts, a peak of Rs. 74,609 crore on December 7. Uttar insurance policies and pension accounts with Pradesh led the race in the mobilisation of deposits, every financial intermediary, the officials said. Over going up to Rs. 10,488 crore (February 22) from Rs. the next few years, all SEBI registered KYC 7,493 crore (November 9). Interestingly, the deposits registration agencies (KRAs) will be subsumed as in Jan-Dhan accounts fell below the November the C-KYC system gets fully operationalised, the 9 level in Chhattisgarh. The deposits stood at Rs official said. 1,238 crore as on February 22 as against Rs 1,419 crore on November 9. - The Hindu Business Line, 04/03/2014

A multiplicity of words indicates poverty of thought. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 25

Centre sets up credit registry to help banks tackle stressed assets

To enable the banking sector tackle the problem of Benefits stressed assets, which now stands at about Rs 12 Once implemented, banks would be able do better lakh crore, the Centre has set up an in-formation enforcement of dues against borrowers. Better utility (IU) called National E-Governance Services. credit monitoring would result in lower risk An information utility is a credit registry, weights and reduce interest rates charged, besides maintaining data on borrowing, default, and recycling funds so that credit is available with security interest of lending/borrowing transactions high velocity. For borrowers, the main benefits with banks and financial institutions. It provides come in the form of reduced cost of capital, no data to authorised users on the present status unilateral action, and data on repayment will of a borrower. Commissioned by the Ministry be tracked by the IU. Access to credit increases, of Corporate Affairs, the group was given the prompt repayment of loans by firms are recognised mandate to frame rules, regulations and by- incentiivising risk taking by entrepreneurs. laws for IUs besides eligibility norms for entities A new set of professionals named Insolvency desirous of becoming an IU. Professionals (IP) will come into being and they would be supervised by insolvency professional Draft regulation agencies (IPA). Adjudication would be done by the A draft regulation has already been put up National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the for further discussion and approval. The draft Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT). regulations expect an IU to provide high-quality The company has been formed following a report authenticated information about debts and by a working group of experts, who include: KVR defaults so that courts and tribunals accept Murty, Joint Secretary (e-Governance), Ministry the information in IUs as evidence. Hence, the of Corporate Affairs; Ajay Shah, Professor, NIPFP; regulations have taken care that IUs can accept Mihir Kumar, Director and Deputy Registrar, information only of a certain kind and only from CERSAI; Rajinder Kumar, CGM, RBI; Jayesh Sule, certain persons for the sake of accuracy. In addition, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, the regulator Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board NSDL E-Governance; Mrutyunjay Mahapatra, of India (IBBI) will specify the set of standards DMD, SBI; and Nivedita Haran, Director, National for IUs, besides having a unique identifier for all E-Governance Services. lenders, borrowers and loans. - The Hindu Business Line, 04/03/2017

What is it? class room The Public Sector Asset Rehabilitation Agency or PARA will be an independent entity that will identify All you want to know about PARA the largest and most vexatious NPA accounts held The RBI has thrown a variety of time-tested ideas at by banks, and then buy these out from them. By the bank bad loan problem in the last three years; consolidating problem accounts across banks, the but the issue refuses to go away. It first allowed PARA is expected to solve two problems. One, it banks to restructure loans. When that didn’t work, can effect speedier settlements with borrowers by asset quality reviews were undertaken to force cutting out individual banks. Two, as a single large banks to come clean. Bank managements were then lender, it can drive a better bargain with borrowers empowered to forcibly evict promoters and take and take more stringent enforcement action against over defaulting firms. But none of these ideas have them. PARA is expected to raise capital for its managed to make a material dent in NPAs, which buyouts by issuing government securities, tapping now account for 9.1 percent of all bank loans. It is the capital markets or receiving a capital infusion in this backdrop that the latest Economic Survey from the RBI. In short, PARA is just a new version has mooted a new idea, PARA, as a solution. of the ‘bad bank’ idea that has been doing

All expansion is life; all contraction is death. All love is expansion; all selfishness is contraction - Swami Vivekananda Officers’ Voice, April 2017 26 the rounds for some time now. by relieving the banks of their NPAs and expediting Why is it important? ways for the corporate borrowers to settle their debts. The stockpile of bad loans has had several ill-effects on the economy at large. One, with 16.6 percent of Why should I care? their loan book tied up in stressed assets (bad and As a depositor, PARA will mean greater safety of your doubtful loans), banks have been fighting shy of deposits with the tottering public sector banks. As new lending. This is constraining new investments a taxpayer, it is your money that the Centre uses to in projects that can power the economy. Even if the recapitalise public sector banks when they indulge Government were to infuse fresh capital into public in big ticket write-offs. By moving large problem sector banks, there’s worry that this may go to write accounts to PARA, the government can separate the off older bad loans rather than kick-start lending. capital infusion exercise from the clean-up exercise. Two, public sector banks, which hold over 70 PARA can raise money from institutional investors percent of all deposits, are the worst hit by the rather than looking only to the Government. bad loan problem. For some of these banks, the As an honest borrower, bad loans weighing on bank provisions for bad loans have already overtaken balance sheets mean higher interest costs and operating profits, leaving them short of capital to slower transmission of RBI rate cuts. Once stressed sustain operations. Three, high NPAs force banks to assets are sold to PARA, the RBI can lean harder on keep their lending rates high to boost their profits. banks to pass on its rate cuts. Finally, with 40 percent of the loans stuck with The bottom line companies who simply do not earn enough profits Every ten years or so, our banks gather a mountain to service them, simply waiting for the problem to of bad loans and then look to the Government for solve itself will not work. This is already telling on a parachute. If its PARA to the rescue this time private sector investments and GDP growth. PARA around, what will prevent a repeat? is expected solve all these problems at one stroke, - The Hindu Business Line, 21/02/2017

"Operation successful - patient dead"

One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name - Sir Walter Scott Officers’ Voice, April 2017 27

And what might that be? miscellany Taxpayers in Sweden are paying government taxes SBI report sees sharp full in jobless rate that are way in excess of their dues, to the point where the government feels financially burdened, Contrary to market perception, India’s and is devising ways to get its citizenry to pay unemployment rate halved from 9.5 percent in less by way of taxes, particularly those that are August 2016 to 4.8 percent in February this year and among major States, a sharp decline was not due. This is quite unlike the situation in India registered in Uttar Pradesh. According to the SBI where taxpayers try to minimise - or, worse, dodge Ecoflash, during August 2016 to February 2017, - their tax payments, and governments come after unemployment rate in Uttar Pradesh registered the them with a big stick. maximum decline from 17.1 percent to 2.9 percent, But doesn’t Sweden already have among the followed by Madhya Pradesh (10 percent to 2.7 world’s highest tax rates? percent), Jharkhand (9.5 percent to 3.1 percent), Odisha (10.2 percent to 2.9 percent) and Bihar (13 It does, too. The peak income tax rate is 57 percent! percent to 3.7 percent). “We believe this decline What topsy-turvy world is this where citizens is primarily due to the government’s efforts in voluntarily pay more tax than they need to – providing new employment opportunities in rural and the government urges them to cease and areas,” said the report compiled by State Bank of desist? India research team led by Group Chief Economic Advisor Soumya Kanti Ghosh. Swedes aren’t exactly motivated by altruism when - The Hindu Business Line, 06/03/2017 they’re stuffing the government’s coffers with their hard-earned money. Nor does a situation It’s back: Talks of merger of BSNL, MTNL on the where the government rakes in taxes hand over table fist make for optimal management of finances and After a hiatus of few years, the proposal to merge the macro economy. All these are the unintended BSNL and MTNL is back on the discussion table consequences of abnormal policy prescriptions, with top officials at the telecom department once and the decidedly human (and rational) response again ‘brainstorming’ on options before the two of citizens to such policies. loss-making, state-owned entities. According to a highly-placed source in the Department of I still don’t get it. Telecommunications, a top-level meeting recently You will in a bit. The first thing to understand discussed possibility of merging both the entities is that unlike fast-growing economies like India that are facing financial stress due to increasing (which are constantly battling inflation, and competition in the sector. therefore interest rates are pegged high), many Another official said that in the first phase, BSNL developed European economies are staring at years is keen on picking up mobile operations of MTNL in of deflation, a situation in which prices tend to Gurgaon, Noida and Faridabad, where it is already fall owing to inadequate growth traction. That sets offering landline and broadband services. The other off a downward spiral, since consumers typically option could be the acquisition of MTNL’s mobile postpone purchase decisions in anticipation of a operations in Delhi and Mumbai - the two metros it further fall in prices. operates in. BSNL, on the other hand, operates in rest of India. And so? - The Times of India, 8/3/2017 And so, central banks, including in Sweden In Sweden, a peculiar problem of plenty and elsewhere, have since March 2015 resorted to negative interest rates in order to defeat You mean the hordes of immigrants that Trump deflation. What this means is that bank deposits keeps casually talking about? earn ‘negative interest’ effectively, you pay the Not really. We’re not in the realm of presidentially bank to deposit money in your account. It is endorsed ‘fake news’. In a completely different one unorthodox way of getting consumers to space, Sweden genuinely has a quirky problem of spend now, rather than “save”. And, remember, plenty – one that a lot of countries, including India, the Swedes have transitioned to a near-cashless would be happy to have. economy, and can’t hoard cash. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 28

But then why do people pay more taxes? on excess tax credits to zero, but that’s still better than a bank account with negative rates. So, They were merely exploiting a loophole in the tax Swedes continue to pay excess taxes. law provision under which the government would pay a positive interest rate of 0.56 percent on any It doesn’t sound as nutty as it initially did. amount that was overpaid in taxes, which would be It doesn’t at all. It just goes to show that returned to the taxpayer. Effectively, citizens were macroeconomic management isn’t a precise science, using their tax account like a bank account – and and human behavioral idiosyncrasies can disorient earning an interest on them, which they weren’t even well-intentioned policies. It’s also a function getting elsewhere. of the fact that when a government offers a cradle- to-grave welfare ecosystem, in the way that Sweden And the government lets them? does, enlightened citizens actually pay high taxes Realising what was happening, the government willfully. But that’s a story for another day. plugged the loophole, lowering the interest payable - The Hindu Business Line, 02/03/2017

retirements in JMG Scale I in July, 1983. He was promoted as A. SUPERANNUTION RETIREMENTS Manager in MMG Scale II in December, 1985 and as Senior Manager in Scale III in July, 1998. He The following members will be retiring from became Chief Manager in SMG Scale IV in January, the service of the Bank on attaining the age of 2004 and Assistant General Manager in Scale V in th superannuation on 30 April, 2017: June, 2015.

1. Mr. Devidas S Nayak, Senior During 39 years of service, he worked at Head Manager, Zonal Office, Goa Office, Namakkal, Kumbakonam, Chennai-George Sri Nayak joined the Bank as Town, Salem-Shevapet, Nallan Pillai Petral, Coonoor, a Clerk in January, 1978. He Puducherry, Chennai-T. Nagar, Mumbai-Matunga, was promoted to Officer cadre Santacruz (East), Chennai-Mylapore, Indiranagar, in JMG Scale I in August, 1982. Zonal Office-Chennai, Zonal Office-Hyderabad, Zonal He became Manager in MMG Office-Greater Mumbai, Bangalore-M. G. Road, Zonal Scale II in June, 1996 and Office-Bangalore - South and Mumbai-Fort. Senior Manager in Scale III in 3. Mr. Tonse Venkatesh Shenoy, May, 2016. Manager, Mumbai-Borivili, During 39 years of service, he worked at Mangalore- (Greater Mumbai Zone) Staff Training College, Karwar, Head Office, Human Sri Shenoy joined the Bank as Resources Department, Dandevado, Margoa, a Clerk in December,1978 and Shirwai Amona, Mumbai-Bandra, Kalbadevi (CBB), became Special Assistant in Panjim, Oxel, Ponda, Hubli-Gokul Road, Kumta, February, 1994. He was promoted Ponda-Ramnathi Temple, Marmugao (Vasco-Da- to Officer cadre in JMG Scale I in Gama) and Kundaim. February, 2002. He became Manager in MMG Scale 2. Mr. C Sridharan, Assistant II in October, 2007. General Manager, Chennai- During 39 years of service, he worked at Mumbai- CBB (Chennai Zone) Bandra, Mandvi, Dahisar (Avadoot Nagar), Khar, Sri Sridharan joined the Bank Fort, Capital Market, Doopadakatte, Mumbai- as a Clerk in July, 1978. He Depository Participant, Vasi Navghar, Nallasapora, was promoted to Officer cadre Bantwal and Mumbai-P M Road Fort.

Don’t talk – just act; don’t say – just show; don’t promise – just prove. Officers’ Voice, April 2017 29

4. Mr. M Ganapathy, Assistant During 38 years of service, he worked at Mumbai General Manager Zonal Office, - C. F. E. D., Nariman Point, Zonal Office, Head Office - Large Advance Section, Commercial Credit Kochi. Department, Karkala, Zonal Office-Hubli, Zonal Sri Ganapathy joined the Bank Office-Udupi, Managalore Punja Arcade, Udupi- as a Clerk in February, 1979. He CCPC, Zonal Office-Goa, Bangalore SME Loan was promoted to Officer cadre Centre and Zonal Office-Mangalore. in JMG Scale I in June, 1986. 7. Mr. Rudra Setty, Manager, He was promoted as Manager in Bangalore Rajajinagar MMG Scale II in December, 1994 and as Senior (Bangalore North) Manager Scale III in January, 2001. He became Chief Manager in SMG Scale IV in June, 2005 and Sri Setty joined the Bank as Assistant General Manager in August, 2012. Clerk in November, 1981. He During 38 years of service, he worked at Davangere- was promoted to Officer Cadre Mandipet, P.B. Road, Head Office - Human Resources in JMG Scale I in October, Department, H. R. D & Training Division, PAD (Officers’ 1994. He was promoted as Wing), Uliyargoli, New Delhi-Sarita Vihar, Manipal, Manager in MMG Scale II in December, 2004. Bangalore-Shantinagar, Mysore-Main, Ahmedabad- During 36 years of service, he worked at Head ZO Marketing Retail Sales Unit, Gandhinagar Udyog Office, Bhadravathi-Jannapura, Chikmagalore-R. Bhavan and Chennai-Kelly’s Corner. R. B, Haranahalli, Hebbalu, Sakleshpur, Hassan, 5. Mr. Raveendranath Hebbar, Deputy General Surat, Zonal Office-Mysore, K. Hoskote, New Delhi- Manager, Circle Audit Office-Bangalore GTB Enclave, Karol Bagh, Zonal Office – Bangalore South, Bangalore-Central Account Opening and Sri Hebbar joined the Bank as Agricultural Field Processing Centre and Bangalore - Kumar Park. Officer in Scale I in March, 1979. He was promoted as Manager in MMG Scale II in January, 1985 and Sri Rudra Setty served as a member of the as Senior Manager in Scale III in May, 1995. He Executive Committee from 2010 to 2016 as became Chief Manager in SMG Scale IV in June Zonal Secretary in Bangalore. 2000. He was promoted as Assistant General 8. Ms. Heena Vijaysinh Sampat, Assistant Manager in Scale V in March, 2007 and Deputy Manager, Mumbai-Fort (Greater Mumbai) General in TEG Scale VI in December, 2012. Ms Heena joined the Bank as a Clerk in November, During 38 years of service, he worked at Head 1981. She was promoted as Special Assistant Office - Agriculture & Rural Develop Department, in May, 1998 and she became JMG Scale I in Chikmagalur, Dodballapur, Head Office - Rural September, 2013. Banking Division, Corporate Financial Management Division, G M’s (Admin) Secretariat, G M’s (RMD, During 36 years of service, she worked at Mumbai- SS. & BED) Secretariat, Hyderabad - Hyderguda, Regional Office, Nasik, Mumbai-Kalbadevi (CBB), Head Office - Information Technology Division, Jalagaon, Mumbai-A. R. Street, Fort, Nariman Bangalore-S. C. Road, Zonal Office-Pune, Head Point and Mumbai Retail Loan Centre. Office - Financial Management Division and Zonal 9. Ms. Koteswari Manne, Assistant Manager, Office, Belgaum. Hyderabad-New Nallakunta (Hyderabad Zone) 6. Mr. K Gopalakrishna Hegde, Ms Koteswari joined the Bank in February, 1982 as Assistant Manager, Mangalore- a Typist cum Clerk. She was a promoted as Officer CCPC, (Mangalore Zone) in JMG Scale I in February, 1994. Sri Hegde joined the Bank as a Clerk During 35 years of service, she worked at in May, 1979. He was promoted to Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada - Main, Guntur- Officer cadre in JMG Scale I in July, Regional Office, Hyderabad - Regional Office, 1984.

Aim for moon; if you miss, you may hit a star Officers’ Voice, April 2017 30

Hyderabad-Hyderguda, Secunderabad - M. G. Mysore-Siddhartha Layout, Kuvempu Nagar, Road, Gunrock Enclave, Hyderabad - Filmnagar, Bangalore-Chamarajpet, Sadashivanagar, Sangareddy and Hyderabad - Mehdipatnam. Chennai-Indiranagar, Bangalore-Koramangala, Z. O. Marketing Hub, Zonal Office Hubli and Zonal 10. Mr. N Jayaprakash Office Mangalore. Shenoy, Senior Manager, Mangalore Currency Chest 13. Mr. Peri Prakash, Senior (Mangalore Zone) Manager, Circle Audit Office- Sri Shenoy joined the Bank as Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad a Clerk in May, 1982 and was Zone) promoted to Officer cadre in Sri Prakash joined the Bank JMG Scale I in February, 2001. as Officer in JMG Scale I He became Manager in MMG in November, 1982. He was Scale II in September, 2011 and Senior Manager in promoted as Manager in MMG Scale III in May, 2016. Scale II in December, 1994 and During 35 years of service, he worked at Ranibennur, as Senior Manager in Scale III Karwar, Ankola, Mumbai-IIBD, Maina Curtorim, in February, 2003. Varca, Hubli- Coen Road, Aravindnagar, Ankola During 33 years of service, he worked at Mumbai- and Tadri. Nariman Point, Secunderabad-M. G. Road, 11. Mr. K. Umesh Udupa, Assistant Manager, Krishna, Rajkot (CBB), Ahmedabad-Navarangpura, Vaderahobali (Udupi Zone) Hyderabad-Hyderguda, Precious Metals Desk, New Delhi - Greater Kailash, Noida-S M E, New Delhi- Sri Udupa joined the Bank as a Clerk in May, 1982 IAD Cell, Delhi- Zonal Audit Office, New Delhi- and became Special Assistant in May, 2005. He Mahavir Nagar, Zonal Office - Delhi North, Zonal was promoted to Officer cadre in JMG Scale Iin Office - Jaipur and Ahmedabad –Zonal Audit Office. September, 2013. 14. Mr. Anil Kumar Malik, During 35 years of service, he worked at Assistant Manager, Amritsar Dodballapur, Gopady, Kundapura, Manuru, (Ludhiana Zone) Manipal, Pandeshwar-Sasthan and Kotathattu. Sri Malik joined the Bank as 12. Mr. Rangaswamy M, a Clerk in December, 1982 Deputy General Manager, and became Special Assistant Zonal Office - Mysore in November, 1995. He was Sri Rangaswamy joined the promoted to Officer cadre in Bank as an Officer in Scale I JMG Scale I in October, 2005. in November, 1982. He was During 35 years of service, he worked at Amritsar, promoted as Manager in MMG Bhatinda, New Delhi-Shalimarbagh, Batala and Scale II in March, 1994 and as Jandiala Guru. Senior Manager in Scale III in February, 2000. He became 15. Mr. Anbalagan K, Senior Chief Manager in SMG Scale IV in November, 2004. Manager, Chetpet (Chennai He was promoted as Assistant General Manager in Zone) Scale V in June, 2008 and Deputy General Manager Sri Anbalagan joined the in TEG Scale VI in July, 2012. Bank as a Clerk in November, During 35 years of service, he worked at Madurai- 1983. He was promoted to Vengalakadai Street, Soosaipuram (Mallanguli), Officer cadre in JMG Scale I in Bangalore-Shivajinagar, Regional Office, Kolar, February, 2003. He became

The best men are moulded out of faults - William Shakespeare Officers’ Voice, April 2017 31

Manager in MMG Scale II in March, 2010 and 19. Mr. Manohar Chandra Sarkar, Senior Senior Manager in Scale III in May, 2015. Manager, Balodha Bazar (Bhopal Zone)

During 34 years of service, he worked at Chennai- Sri Manohar joined the Bank as a Clerk in April, Mylapore, Vellore, Adukambarai (Munjurpet), 1985. He was promoted to Officer cadre in JMG Vellore, Madurai-Westmasi Street, Anniyur, Vellore- Scale I in October, 1994. He became Manager in Shankarpalayam, Kottayam, Ussoor and Chennai- MMG Scale II in December, 2004 and as Senior Service. Manager Scale III in July, 2014.

16. Ms. Bhupesh Kapoor, Manager, New Delhi- During 32 years of service, he worked at Raipur, Service (Delhi North) Amritsar, Jabalapur, Bhilai Nagar, Chapora, Bastora, Zonal Office-Pune, Amaravathi and Ms Kapoor joined the Bank as a Clerk in October, Bilaspur. 1983. She was promoted to Officer cadre in JMG Scale I in October, 2005 and as Manager in MMG 20. Mr. V P Dhasharathan, Scale II in May, 2016. Assistant Manager, Chennai- Currency Chest (Chennai During 34 years of service, he worked at New Delhi- Zone) Greater Kailash, Bikaji Cama Place, Kamalanagar Connaught Circus, Karol Bagh and CBB. Sri Dhasharathan joined the Bank as a Clerk in May, 1985. 17. Mr. Prem Kumar He was promoted as Officer in Sachdeva, Manager, Zonal JMG Scale I in April, 2011. Office - Meerut During 32 years of service, he Sri Sachdeva joined the Bank worked at Mettupalayam, Chennai-Mint Street, in June, 1984 as a Typist cum CBB, Anna Nagar, Anna Nagar-Spartan HSS, Clerk. He was promoted to Mogappair and Puducherry. Officer cadre in JMG Scale I in October, 2005. He became B. VOLUNTRY RETIREMENTS Manager in MMG Scale II in The following members retired from the Bank August, 2012. Voluntarily, under Regulation 29 of Pension Regulation during February, 2017: During 33 years of service, he worked at New Delhi- Zonal Office, Chandni Chowk, Zonal Office Delhi 1. Ms. Padmavathi North, Jaipur - Bhawani Singh Road, New Delhi- Balachandra, Senior Manager, Laxminagar, Zonal Office Delhi - South and New Hyderabad Personal Banking Delhi-Lodhi Complex. Branch (Hyderabad Zone)

18. Ms. Lalithamma L, Manager, Mysore- Ms. Padmavathi Joined the Kuvempu Nagar (Mysore Zone) Bank as Clerk in August, 1981. She was promoted as Officer in Ms. Lalithamma joined the Bank as a Clerk in JMG Scale I in February, 1994. September, 1984. She was promoted to Officer She became Manager in MMG cadre in JMG Scale I in November, 1998. She Scale II in November, 2005 and became Manager in MMG Scale II in September, Senior Manager in Scale III in May, 2015. 2010. During 36 years of service, she worked at Erode, During 33 years of service, she worked at Head Hyderabad-Siddiamber Bazar, Mumbai-Shivajipark, Office - Branch Account Department, Mysore- Amboli Andheri (West), Mumbai - IIBD, Hyderabad- Vontikoppal, Main, Siddhartha Layout, Kushala Hyderguda, Shankerpalli, Secunderabad-Gunrock Nagar, Bangalore-Service and Mandya. Enclave, Medchal and Balanagar.

What we have, we have; what we spent, we had; what we left, we lost - Proverb Officers’ Voice, April 2017 32

2. Mr. Vijayakrishnan M, No.4/11/1/2011-IR dated 14-03-2012) issued Assistant Manager, Chennai by the Ministry, the criteria regarding minimum Personal Banking (Chennai experience and Zone of consideration are as follows Zone) The channel of promotion and minimum experience Sri Vijayakrishnan joined the requirement at various levels shall be as follows: Bank as a Clerk in March, 1984. Scale Promotion Minimum Maximum Minimum He was promoted as Officer in Channel Experience permissible length of JMG Scale I in February, 2001. (in years) relaxation by services During 33 years of service, he Board (in years) worked at Mumbai-Fort, Mangalore-Pandeshwar, (in years) Trissur, Mumbai-Versoa, Chennai-CAPS, VI to VII Merit 3 1 18 Medavakkam and Usoor. Channel CBOO thanks all these members for their Zone of Consideration support and co-operation and wishes them a i The zone of consideration for promotion should happy, healthy and contended retired life. be strictly maintained at 1:3 ratio. In case fresh candidates equal to the number of anticipated vacancies are not available by keeping zone letter to Management of consideration at 3 times the anticipated vacancies, the zone of consideration may be Ref CO/201/048/2017 Date:13/03/2017 extended to 4 times the number of anticipated The Managing Director & CEO, vacancies, with the prior approval of the Board. Corporation Bank, 3.0 From the Memorandum dated 01-02-2017 Head Office, Mangalore referred above, it is observed that Executives in TEG/ Scale-VI –Deputy General Manager cadre Dear Sir, promoted upto 01-06-2015 are eligible for the process thereby violating the guidelines issued Sub: Relaxation in Zone of Consideration against by the Ministry as follows: promotion policy in Promotion category of Top a) By including the candidates promoted after 01- Executive Grade Scale VI to VII 04-2015, the minimum eligibility criterion is 1.0 The vacancies for promotion in Executive Cadre relaxed beyond 1 year. are declared vide Memorandum No.12/2017 dated b) The Zone of Consideration extends beyond 4 01-02-2017 wherein 4 vacancies were declared times the number of candidates (5:27). for promotion to Top Executive Grade /Scale-VII. 3.1 From the Seniority List of Officers in Scale-VI Further, the number of vacancies are revised and as on 01-04-2016, officers from serial No.1 to increased to five (5)vide Memorandum No.30/2017 25 were considered for the promotion process dated 03-03-2017 on account of elevation of one 2016-17 and out of them 12 officers are eligible officer in Scale-VII as Executive Director. However, to participate this year also. As the eligible while considering the candidates eligible in Scale- number of candidates is less than 3 times and VI,the Zone of consideration has been extended by the number of fresh candidates equivalent to the relaxing the eligibility criteria in terms of minimum number of vacancies are not available (without service. The candidates promoted to Scale-VI up to relaxation), the Bank is within its right to relax 01.06.2015 are made eligible for consideration for up to 4 times the number of vacancies with the the promotion. In this regard we would like to bring prior approval of the Board. Hence: the following to your notice: a. If the zone of consideration is extended to include 2.0 The Promotion Policy in the Bank is subject 5 fresh candidates, officers in Scale VI promoted to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of upto 29/05/2014 will be eligible, taking the Finance. According to the Guidelines (Ref. No.F. total eligible candidates to 17.

There is no dependence that can be sure; but a dependence upon one’s self - John Gay- Officers’ Voice, April 2017 33 b. To reckon 4 times, the number of vacancies “The Bank may take an objective view and prefer declared (i.e., 20 candidates), the Bank would consistency in the guidelines.” be within the guidelines to include all officers Moreover, these changes also do not appear to have promoted upto 01/09/2014. been communicated to the officers by means of However, by including officers promoted beyond change in the policy governing promotions. 01/09/2014 (i.e., up to 01-06-2015), the Bank has 4.0 In the light of the above, we request you to violated the guidelines on both the above counts. issue directions to review and reverse the decision It works against the interests of the candidates to include candidates beyond 01-09-2014 in the otherwise would have been eligible (i.e.,4 times) interest of justice and fair play. increasing the competition. The MoF guidelines dated 07/01/2016 permitting the Bank to seek the With regards approval of the Board in respect of relaxations very Sd/- clearly spell out: [SATISH SHETTY] GENERAL SECRETARY 45TH FOUNDATION DAY

CBOO celebrated its 45th Foundation Day at CBOO CENTRE on 26th January. That day in 1973, the first and the Foundation Conference of CBOO was held at Bangalore, signaling the journey of the officers’ movement in Corporation Bank. Sri (Dr.) Narahari, Registrar, St. Aloysius College, Mangalore was the Chief Guest. Sri T R Bhat, former Chairman of CBOO was the Guest of Honour. Members and former members were present with their family members.

The programme commenced with Invocation by Invocation by Smt. Deepa Smt. Deepa. Introducing the Chief Guest, Satish Shetty, General Secretary welcomed the invitees and the gathering.

Detailing out the programme of the day, President, Ekanath Baliga informed the audience about the “Cleansing Programme” undertaken earlier in the day by CBOO under SWASTI on the occasion of Foundation Day at more than 25 Zonal Centres, with other centres to carry out the same in the next week-end. He also threw light on the documentary prepared by Central Office on CBOO – “FOOTPRINTS” – a maiden effort by CBOO to Welcome address by Satish Shetty, General Secretary chronicle the birth and growth of CBOO in a visual format. The day’s programme would also witness the release of the documentary, he added.

Chief Guest, Sri Narahari was all in praise for the splendid work of CBOO – in uniting the officers of the Bank, in achieving several benefits for the officers of the Bank over a period of time, the positive role played by the officers’ union including the social action wing and the education and training wing. He recalled the days when AMUCT (All Mangalore Address by Dr. Narahari, Chief Guest Officers’ Voice, April 2017 34

University College Teachers’ Association) joined hands with CBOO and held a few educational and socially relevant programmes. The Guest of Honour, Sri T R Bhat – who had scripted the narratives of the documentary – complimented the CBOO for its effort to compile the documentary and make a visual form ready for the members – present and future. “It shall not be tokenism and end up only with the filming. It must serve the intended purpose and only then will it be a fruitful effort, he advised. Critically evaluating the participation of the membership in the union Sri T. R. Bhat, former Chairman addressing activities, he counseled the members as also the leaders to ponder over the lack of enthusiastic attendance in meetings and programmes and make a soul-searching to improve the position which would be a biggest challenge to the leadership in the days to come. He appealed to the leadership to continue the traditions of CBOO and protect the values for which it had strived in the past. “FOOTPRINT” was released by the Chief Guest as a culmination of the year-long effort of CBOO, ably assisted by the functionaries and former functionaries from various corners. "Footprint" released K B Prasada, Joint General Secretary proposed Vote of Thanks. Thereafter, an abridged version of the documentary was displayed for the view by audience which was well appreciated by all. The programme was well compered by Kumari Priyanka. Sri Annapoorneshwari Andha Kalaavidara Sangha, a troupe of blind artistes from Sirsi, Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka presented an entertainment programme of Kannada and Hindi songs and mimicry. The programme concluded with National Anthem. Vote of thanks by K.B. Prasada, Jt. Gen. Secretary

A view of the gathering Kumari Priyanka, compering the programme

Change does not take place when circumstances improve; change takes place when you decide to improve your circumstances Officers’ Voice, April 2017 35

health watch

Healthy Lifestyle Must to Preserve Your Filters

- Dr. Anil Kumar B T The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs situated b) DIET AND LIFESTYLE on either side of the spine. They perform several functions, the most important of which is filtering • Restrict salt intake: waste products, excess water and other impurities Too much salt inhibits your kidneys from filtering out of the blood. In addition, the kidneys regulate and excreting water which builds up in the body electrolyte levels and produce hormones that and increases blood pressure. High blood pressure regulate blood pressure, keep the bones strong and creates turbulence with the kidney’s small blood control the production of red blood cells. vessels which leads to damage and dysfunction. We KIDNEY DISEASES AND RISK FACTORS should consume no more than 5-6 grams of salt per day. Kidney diseases are common, affecting one out of 10 adults. The common kidney diseases are chronic • Drink lots of water every day: kidney disease, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, Hydrating ourselves with enough fluids enables urinary tract infections, polycystic kidneys and kidneys to evacuate sodium, urea and toxins kidney cancers. The kidney diseases may be either from the body. Drinking least 4-6 glasses of acute or chronic. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) water per day is recommended for healthy is the most common of all the kidney diseases. It kidneys. worsens or progresses over time. There are five stages of chronic kidney disease, with the most severe • Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake: being end-stage renal disease (ESRD). For patients Smoking damages the small blood vessels and reaching ESRD, dialysis and transplantation are ‘filters’ inside the kidneys. Ethanol damages the only treatment options. the delicate internal structures of the kidneys, Kidney stones are another common kidney problem. making them less able to filter your blood and They occur when minerals and other substances balance fluids/electrolytes. in the blood crystallise in the kidneys, forming • Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables: stones. They may cause urinary tract obstruction, infections and also kidney failure. For the most part, fresh fruits and vegetables are low in sodium, high in vitamins and The common risk factors to develop kidney minerals and a good source of antioxidants disease are diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular which is beneficial for the kidneys. diseases, old age, obesity and family history of kidney diseases. • Exercise daily and lose weight if you are overweight: TIPS TO KEEP YOUR KIDNEYS HEALTHY Obesity leads to higher blood pressure and a) CONTROL RISK FACTORS eventual kidney damage. Just 30 minutes of • Keep your blood pressure at the target set by mild to moderate exercise on a daily basis is your doctor. For most people, the blood pressure associated with better kidney health as it can target is less than 40/90 mm Hg. reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels as • If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose well as trigger weight loss. level. (The writer is a Nephrologist at BGS Gleneagles • Keep your cholesterol levels in the target range. Global Hospitals, Bengaluru. The above was • Avoid pain killers and over the counter published in The Economic Times, 14/03/2017) medications.

Dream of a man can do anything in this world - Nepolean Officers’ Voice, April 2017 Officers’ Voice (RNI, Delhi Regn. No.KARENG/ 2005/14831) Postal Regn. No.MNG/128/2015-17 36 Licensed to Post Without Prepayment under Licence No. SK/WPP/MNG/115/2015-17 Office of Posting: Post Office, Kankanady – Mangalore DOP: 1st of every month Annual Subscription for members: Rs.60/-

Review of staff expenses / benefits - a prerequisite for capital infusion by Central Govt. - News

We will be the most eligible as we have been persisting since long for a least benefit policy towards our employees...

My fear is what if new 2000 rupee notes are banned by the Government...

Phone: CBOO Central Office : 2422712, 2422501 Fax: 0824-2422129 CBOO CENTRE : 2493 698 E-mail: [email protected] Visit us @ our website : www.cboo.org