TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE

24TH TRIENNIAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF ABOA,UNIT
STATE BANK OF PATIALA- A GRAND SHOW
More than 2500 members of ABOA, Unit State Bank of Patiala were present at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hall, Punjab University, Patiala on Sunday the 11th October, 2009, at 10.00 a.m. to receive the guests of Inaugural Session of 24th Triennial General Body Meeting. They were continuously raising the slogans, “ABOA Zindabad, AISBOF Zindabad, AIBOC Zindabad”.
2. The Inaugural Session Commenced after flag hoisting by Com. T.N. Goel and after invocation; Com. Amar Singh General Secretary of the Association welcomed the Guests and the gathering.
3. Shri Ashok Nayar, Managing Director of the Bank inaugurated the conference by lighting the lamp, along with the other dignitaries on the dias. In his inaugural address, he expressed his concern on growing NPA’s and reduction in the priority sector lendings by the bank. He complimented the leadership of the Association for their co-operation in achieving one lac crores of business by the Bank. He also advocated in favour of the merger to reduce the operational cost etc.,
4. Com. G. D. Nadaf, General Secretary of AIBOC/AISBOF in his key note address, advocated for increasing the priority sector lending and taking the Banking to the door steps of the common man. Even after 40 years of nationalisation, more than 45% of the population is yet to open a bank account. 70% of the credit needs of the rural population is taken care by the money lenders. The need of the honour is for inclusive finance and expand banking activity to take care of the common man. There is a need to natioanlise the private sector banks. The consolidation and merger are not suitable to our nation. Therefore, we oppose merger of Associate Banks with the SBI. Infact through amendments to the Associate Banks Act, Parliament has provided autonomy to the subsidiary banks. They should have separate Chairman and be allowed to function independently. These banks are rendering yeomen service to the economy. They be encouraged to serve the nation instead of merging them with the SBI, thereby depriving the banking facilities to the rural poor said Com. Nadaf.
5. As regards impending bipartite negotiations with the IBA, he expressed his unhappiness on lower offer on wage revision and unnecessary conditions put up by the IBA on sharing of pension cost etc. The bank employees and Officers are toiling hard to give philip to the economic developments, at the cost of their social life, working on Sundays, holidays and sitting late on working days. Unfortunately, neither the IBA , nor Government is recognising the service of the bank men by offering better pay package. The 2nd option on pension is at its final stage. There is an attempt by the IBA/Govt to drop the discussion on compassionate appointment scheme. There is all-round anxiety in the minds of grass root level membership. The Govt/IBA has not assessed the situation properly. Despite two days successful strike on 6th and 7th August ’09, the things are not moving on the expected lines. Any further provocations by the IBA on the bilateral negotiations will be responded by agitation including strike by the UFBU declared Com. Nadaf.
6. Com. T. N. Goel President, AISBOF in his special address discussed for respectable pay package to the banks employees and Officers. The acquisition of SBS by SBI has generated lot of discontentment and number of HR issues have cropped-up. There is hardly any advantage either to the bank or to the customers derived from the so called merger. Hence, in the interest of the common man we continue to oppose the merger. He complimented the ABOA, Patiala unit for standing like a rock against the merger issue. He complimented the leadership of the Association for taking care of the welfare of the members in an excellent manner. He appealed to the UFBU leadership to negotiate for better salary package.
7. Shri T. Lokeshaiah, CGM of the Bank was the Guest of Honour. He narrated the contribution of the banks and appealed to the members to continue to support the banks to achieve many more milestones in the industry.
8. Com. J. D. Shukla, former President of the Association spoke on the occasion and urged upon the leadership to improve superannuation benefits. Com. B.C. Bassi former Secretary of the ABOA. Com. Vijaya Magon, General Secretary SBIOA (Chandigarh Circle) graced the occasion. Com. Rakesh Jasra, President of the Association in his presidential address proposed vote of thanks.
9. Comrades, it was an excellently organized conference, which has enthused every participant. The proceeds are widely covered by the print and electronic media.
10. The entire team of office-bearers elected unopposed for the 5th successive time, took charge of the Association. The General Secretary’s report was passed by voice vote. Lively discussions in the business session provided sufficient feed back to prepare a road map to carry the activity in future. We compliment Com. Rakesh Jasra, President, Com. Amar Singh, General Secretary of the Association who deserve all appreciation in organizing the excellent programme.