As many as 156 senior officials of various State-owned banks have been suspended and 41 transferred after they were found involved in irregularities related to demonetisation, Parliament was informed on Friday.

“Certain bank officials have been found involved in irregularities relating to demonetisation. On the basis of prima facie involvement in the irregularities, public sector banks (PSBs) are, so far, reported to have placed 156 officials under suspension and to have transferred 41 officials,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha.

PSBs are also reported to have filed 26 cases with the police/CBI for alleged criminal cases, he added.

In respect of private banks, Jaitley said: “The Reserve Bank of India has informed that 11 employees have been placed under suspension where bank employees have been found involved in ‘irregular exchange of transaction’ of specified bank notes (SBN) during the phase of demonetisation.”

“The RBI has further informed that banks have initiated internal investigation, and complaints have been filed with the police/CBI,” he pointed out.

The RBI had advised banks to take action to prevent/ detect/ contain the malpractices or wrongdoing by staff in branches involved in exchange/deposit of SBNs.

In the said circular, banks were also advised to strengthen the internal/concurrent audit process, including random visits/scrutinies, so as to detect and avoid any malpractice in the exchange/deposit of SBNs in the branches.

In respect of private banks, the RBI has informed that 11 employees have been placed under suspension for involvement in irregular exchange of transaction

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