Bank unions join stir, to hold protests

Support for Anna Hazare has come from a rather strange corner — banking trade unions, famous for demonstrations. The unions have said that Hazare should be released unconditionally at the earliest and the government must take steps to ensure that democratic rights of citizens, which "include holding demonstrations" are not curtailed. Mahua Venkatesh reports.

Support for Anna Hazare has come from a rather strange corner — banking trade unions, famous for demonstrations. The unions have said that Hazare should be released unconditionally at the earliest and the government must take steps to ensure that democratic rights of citizens, which "include holding demonstrations" are not curtailed.

HT Image

The unions have also decided to hold demonstrations across the country in Hazare's support.

"We want the government to act against corruption; it must take appropriate measure to remove all corrupt officers and members of Parliament as soon as possible," CH Venkatachalam, general secretary, All India Bank Employees' Association, told HT.

"Corruption in all quarters of government operations has reached unprecedented levels and this needs to be addressed and suppressing movements would not help in reaching any solution," Venkatachalam said.

The unions have, however, assured that they would not immediately call for any strike.

Public sector banks controls over 75% of the country's banking sector.