Shield bank staff from assault, intimidation, Centre tells states – Times of India

MUMBAI: Finance ministry has asked states to take urgent steps to protect bank employees from instances of assault and intimidation by anti-social elements, following reports of such incidents disrupting banking operations.In a letter to chief secretaries, financial services secretary M Nagaraju said that ensuring the uninterrupted availability of banking services is critical for enabling households to meet daily financial needs, access welfare benefits through DBT, and support economic activity by traders, small businesses, farmers and industry.Citing media reports and social media posts, Nagaraju flagged disturbing incidents involving verbal abuse, physical assault and operational disruptions at bank branches. “These unlawful actions discourage the morale of bank staff and undermine public trust in the safe delivery of banking services. Such actions must be dealt with firmly and promptly,” he said.The ministry has requested state govts to direct district magistrates and police officials to take preventive steps, including deploying police or patrols at sensitive locations during peak banking hours.