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Sarbajeet K. Sen

New Delhi , Dec. 15

THE officers' community at State Bank of India are spotting a roadblock in the `fast track' career plan being put in place. Ironically, the officers feel that the management itself is setting up the roadblock.

Under fire from the SBI Officers' Federation, representing its 56,000 strong officers base, is the recent decision of the bank to grant extension to a couple of senior officials for two years beyond their retirement age and appointing them as `advisors.' The federation fears that the trend could have a negative impact on the future prospects of other officers.

Mr S.A. Farooqi, former Chief General Manager, (Personnel and HRD) was appointed as Advisor handling personnel, followed by Mr S.K. Sinha, former General Manager (Law) as Legal Advisor.

The All India SBI Officers' Federation has at its recent general council meeting in Chandigarh passed a resolution against such appointments It is likely to be forwarded to the bank's management soon.

"We have passed a unanimous resolution condemning such appointment of advisors. It is a dangerous trend since it can result in blocking the career progression of other officers. The entire block of senior officers including General Managers are getting frustrated," said Mr T.N. Goel, General Secretary, SBI Officers' Association (Delhi Circle).

The officers' association feels that such appointments could negate the management's own efforts to ensure a faster career progression Through the "fast track" promotion policy, for which selection was completed recently, SBI hopes to promote younger officers with leadership potential to the top executive grade.

"On the one hand, they are talking about a fast track to improve the age profile, and on the other, extensions are being granted. What is even more worrisome is that this comes while the Government itself has consistently maintained an opposite stand with several past SBI Chairmen being denied extension," Mr Goel said.

The issue of appointment of advisors had been simmering for some time. On hearing about the first such appointment, that of Mr Farooqi, the federation wrote to the Chairman, SBI, Mr A.K. Purwar, expressing its displeasure.

Pointing out that it was the first time an extension beyond 60 years was granted by the bank, the federation called for a clear-cut policy laid down by the management for such appointments.

"The current arrangement to do away with the regular CGM and entrust the entire function to an advisor is a setback and may not be appreciated by the officers' community," the federation added.

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