RBI unions take exception to HR rejig, lateral recruitment plan

Officers and employees of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have warned the Directors of the Central Board that any unilateral change in the human resources policy may trigger “avoidable extreme industrial action”.

The United Forum of Reserve Bank Officers and Employees wrote to the Board asking it to issue directions to the management to take member unions on board before tinkering with the policy.

The bone of contention, says Samir Ghosh, Convenor of the Forum, is the internal restructuring and lateral recruitment proposals being considered by the RBI.

Signatories to the letter included SV Mahadik of the RBI Workers’ Federation, CM Paulsil of the All-India RBI Officers’ Association and RN Vatsa of the RBI Officers’ Association.

The Forum recalled its meeting with the Governor, Deputy Governors, and senior officials on August 19, wherein it had expressed concern over the proposed restructuring and clustering.

It had also expressed serious opposition to lateral recruitment in leadership positions on a continued basis and had sought meaningful interaction for an amicable settlement.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had suggested that the Forum give its concerns over the matter in writing, and promised to find a solution to the issue at the next meeting.

On August 26, in a letter to the management, the Forum conveyed its fears over the restructuring, creation of additional posts of Deputy Governors and Executive Directors, and lateral recruitments.

The letter also requested Governor Rajan not to take any hurried and unilateral action. But members of the Forum say they have since learnt that the central bank authorities are going ahead with the restructuring proposals.

A newspaper advertisement for lateral recruitments at the highest level has also not been withdrawn.

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