Bank employees protest against PSU banks merger

Chennai: Members of the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) on Saturday staged a protest here against the Centre's decision to merge 10 public sector banks into four entities. Employees of all public and private sector banks wore black badges to work as a mark of protest to the government's decision.

The Association's General Secretary, C H Venkatachalam said the government's move

was "ill timed" and needs a review.

A rally opposing it was also planned by the Association, Venkatachalam said.

He alleged the merger of public sector banks would mean closure of six banks.

The BJP government at the Centre had on Friday unveiled a mega plan to merge 10 public sector banks into four, to create fewer and stronger global-sized bankers as it looks to revive economic growth.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday said 10 public sector banks — Punjab National Bank, Canara bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, United Bank

of India, Allahabad Bank, Syndicate Bank, Corporation Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and Andhra Bank would be merged.

"Government may call it a merger.. six banks which have been built up over the years will disappear from

banking scenario", Venkatachalam said.