Banking operations paralysed in West Bengal

Normal banking operations across the state were disrupted by the all-India strike called by seven trade unions to press for various demands pertaining to the industry.
Branches of all public sector, foreign and private banks, including their ATMs, remained closed during the day.
Offices of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) remained open but clearing of cheques did not take place as banks were closed.
The general secretary of the umbrella body of the banking trade unions United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), West Bengal unit, Gautam Banerjee, claimed that the strike was totally successful.
He said that the government had been trying to bring in some changes in the banking laws aimed at paving the way for privatisation of the public sector banks.

The banking employees were also denied the increase in gratuity ceiling limit from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, he said, adding that government was silent on the implementation of the 11th bipartite settlement.
Around two lakh banking employees participated in the strike, he said.
The banking sector was also not taking any step for recovery of NPAs, he said.