The Hindu Business Line : HR policies key to our success: Indian Bank chief

"Though technology is taking a precedence, we at Indian Bank give more importance to HR, because people feel that banking is a relationship business. We are proud to be rated the No 1 South-based service brand by AC Nielson-ORG Marg," he said, and added that the bank was striving to carve a niche by furthering improving its service.

"We want to motivate our people by training them, helping them acquire greater skills and in marketing," he added and pointed out that while most banks engaged their branch heads and officers in mass campaigns, Indian Bank chose to utilise all its staff in promoting the melas and camps.

He attributed the bank's turnaround to the collective effort of its staff.

In recognition of their contribution, the bank has given them suitable postings, he said, and added that the human touch to the relationship mattered.

"While exercising our prerogative, we also look into their convenience. It is not to shelter or extend undue favours. But experience has shown that women managers excel; are far better performers. By getting the best out such able hands, the bank stands to gain ultimately," Mr Rao said.

He evaded a question on VRS, but said that the bank would absorb staff for specialised work.

The bank was in the process of recruiting 200 probationary officers.

On performance, he expressed confidence about achieving a net profit of over Rs 400-crore this fiscal.

The bank proposed to complete the computerisation of all its branches (numbering 1,377) by the end of the current calendar year.

The bank was contemplating a scheme for financing IPOs (initial public offers), he said in reply to a query, but declined to elaborate the details of the proposed scheme.

He maintained that it would be announced within the next couple of days. "It would be a short-term finance option, basically to encourage the genuine investors," Mr Rao said.

"We want to be a multi-speciality financial supermarket. We are working towards it," he added.