The Punjab & Sind Bank Employees Union, Jammu & Kashmir, affiliated with the All India Bank Employees Association, recently concluded its triennial conference, marked by the election of new office bearers and discussions on critical issues facing the banking sector.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the conference brought together approximately 20 delegates and observers representing diverse branches, alongside esteemed guests from various bank unions and the Jammu Province Bank Employees Federation, signaling a unified front in addressing challenges and charting a course for the future.
The newly elected leadership team includes Mukesh Sharma from Simbal, who will serve as president, and Pooja Mehta from Shalamar, who will take on the role of vice-president. Avtar Singh from Nanak Nagar has been elected as the general secretary, while Chand Raj from Kathua, Kulbhushan Sharma from Kathua, and Geeta from Shalamar will serve as assistant secretaries. Pranav Kandhari from Exchange Road will assume the responsibilities of treasurer, ensuring the financial stability of the union.
The conference commenced with an inaugural session led by Comrade SPS Virk, General Secretary of the All India Punjab & Sind Bank Staff Organisation. Comrade Shashank Raina, the outgoing president of the Union, presided over the proceedings. Several prominent leaders, including Comrade Jagpreet Singh, Comrade Arun Kumar Gupta, and Comrade Tara Singh, graced the event and delivered addresses to the attendees.
Comrade Avtar Singh extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, setting the stage for constructive dialogue and collaborative strategies. During his address, Comrade SPS Virk shed light on the country’s socio-economic landscape, emphasizing the pivotal role of bank employees’ movement in reinforcing the banking sector’s foundations. He voiced apprehension regarding the government’s policies geared toward the privatization of public sector banks, urging the working class to stand united in safeguarding public sector banking.
Comrade Arun Kumar Gupta pledged unwavering support to the union leadership in Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing the interests of bank employees. During the delegate session, General Secretary Avtar Singh presented the “General Secretary’s Report,” outlining the union’s activities and milestones achieved over the preceding term. The report garnered unanimous approval from the delegates, underscoring the effectiveness of the union’s initiatives.
Treasurer Comrade Mukesh Sharma presented the statement of accounts, which also secured unanimous approval, demonstrating transparency and responsible financial management within the union. The Punjab & Sind Bank Employees Union, through this triennial conference, has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of its members, while also addressing broader issues impacting the banking industry.
The deliberations and decisions made during the conference are expected to have implications for the working conditions and job securities of employees of Punjab & Sind Bank, particularly in the Jammu & Kashmir region. The union’s focus on resisting privatization efforts is in line with the broader concerns raised by various employee associations across the banking sector in India.
The emphasis on unity among the working class reflects an understanding of the collective power needed to navigate the challenges posed by changing economic policies and technological advancements in the banking landscape. The newly elected office bearers inherit the responsibility of steering the union towards its goals while ensuring that the voices of the bank employees are heard and their concerns are addressed effectively
The socio-economic context highlighted by Comrade SPS Virk underscores that the banking sector is not isolated from the broader economic realities of the country. The stability and strength of the banking sector are viewed as critical to the overall economic health and development, making the role of bank employees and their unions all the more important.
The success of the conference lies not only in the election of new leaders but also in the reaffirmation of the union’s commitment to its members and the broader banking community. The unified stance against privatization demonstrates that the union is ready to confront challenges head-on and to safeguard the interests of its constituents in the face of evolving policies, according to reports.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply