The Hindu Business Line : UCO Bank drafting new HR plan

"One day, all banks will be on par in terms of technology; it is the quality of employees that will make the difference," Mr V. Sridar, the Chairman and Managing Director of UCO Bank, observed while talking to Business Line here on Monday.

The strategy involves training programmes for employees at various levels, though the bank is not sure if there would be enough facilities available for providing the necessary training. "I'm afraid the non-availability of training facilities for a number of employees at a time might be the limiting factor," Mr Sridar said.

There will be training for officers at the senior level — upwards of the rank of AGMs. "I want them to undergo training at least for a week and, if possible, even outside the country", he said, pointing out that the training programmes offered by some of the management institutes for senior-level officers include short stints abroad.

The training for those working in branches will be at three levels — for decision-makers, for supervisors and for those at the field-level. However, these programmes will be dovetailed with the new technology to be adopted.

The identification of the appropriate technology and its absorption is going to be very important. "There should be no rolling out of technology without having people properly trained," he said.

The selection of the vendor for supplying the package for the core banking solutions would be finalised by the middle of July, Mr Sridhar said. A select group of officers will first undergo vigorous training to acquaint themselves as to how to rewrite the manuals, processes and systems. They, in turn, will provide training to others. More than the technology, it is the mindset that will prove crucial in the whole exercise, he said. "It is a difficult job; after all, people used to certain systems and procedures for long will resist new techniques whose success will also depend on imbibing a new culture."

"We propose to induct about 600 professionals in various fields, like chartered accountants, computer professionals, lawyers, and MBAs trained in finance and marketing, through campus recruitment," he said. However, the not-so-satisfactory experience with those recruited earlier has set rethinking on how to retain them with better packages. "Perhaps, we have to first sort out the relevant issues with the union," he observed.

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