Ignore social media rumours: Bank operations to be normal next week

IDBI Bank will continue with the strike call, bank operations will be hit by agitation

Banks will continue to operate normally in offices next week from March 28-31, bank unions said.

The announcement comes after officers and employees of IDBI Bank called for a strike on March 28 to protest against the government's proposed stake sale in the state-run lender.

Messages of the strike call by the banks from March 28-31 were circulated through social media and Whatsapp. The rumours created a scare among the public.

The announcement by the bank unions will give assurance to the people regarding the nation-wide strike by the banks.

However, IDBI Bank employees are striking work from March 28-31 to protest against government's alleged move to privatise banking entity.

M V Murali, Convenor, United Forum Of Bank Uniomd (U.F.B.U.) said employess in banking sector are supporting agitation by IDBI Bank employees. Banking unions, except at IDBI, have not given call for strike.

The government of India, which holds about 80% stake in IDBI Bank, plans to reduce its shareholding in bank below 50%.

Bank is in the process of floating to offer fresh shares to instutional investors. It is planning to  issue shares to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and later to multilateral agencies.