AOGBO, OGBEA Announce Phased Agitation Over 20-Point Charter of Demands

Berhampur: The Association of Odisha Grameen Bank Officers (AOGBO) and the Odisha Grameen Bank Employees’ Association (OGBEA) jointly held an Agitation Preparatory Meeting in Berhampur on Sunday, resolving to launch a phased democratic agitation over their long-pending 20-Point Charter of Demands.

The meeting witnessed the participation of a large number of officers and employees from across Odisha Grameen Bank. The participants reviewed the status of the charter of demands, which had earlier been submitted to the Chairman of Odisha Grameen Bank along with a statutory strike notice.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the management’s response, the unions alleged that despite repeated representations, meetings and constructive dialogue, no meaningful steps have been taken to address the long-pending issues affecting officers and employees.

The 20-point charter includes recognition of trade unions, transparent implementation of the transfer policy, full implementation of the 12th Bipartite Settlement/9th Joint Note, payment of pending allowances, adequate recruitment, a transparent promotion policy, improved staff welfare measures, enhanced security arrangements, better banking infrastructure and several other service-related reforms.

The meeting unanimously resolved to intensify the agitation in phases if the management fails to initiate meaningful discussions and settle the genuine demands within the stipulated period. As per the proposed schedule, employees will observe Work-to-Rule from July 23, followed by a Black Badge Protest on July 27, Exit from Official WhatsApp Groups on July 28, Statewide Public Awareness Campaign through the Press on August 1, Peaceful Demonstrations on August 3, and submission of memoranda to the RBI, NABARD, Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Indian Overseas Bank from August 3 to 7. The agitation will culminate in a one-day strike on August 17, 2026.

Addressing the gathering, Manabhanjan Mishra, President, AOGBO; Pitabas Jena, General Secretary, AOGBO; Biswajit Mishra, President, OGBEA; Hrushikesh Patro, General Secretary, OGBEA; Manas Ranjan Panda, Central Executive Committee Member, AIRRBEA; and Sachikanta Patro urged all officers and employees to remain united, disciplined and committed to safeguarding their legitimate rights through peaceful and democratic means. The meeting was conducted by Suraj Panda.

They emphasized that the agitation is not directed against the Bank or its customers but is aimed at securing the legitimate rights of employees, ensuring transparent administration, improving the working environment and ultimately strengthening customer service and the long-term growth of Odisha Grameen Bank.

AOGBO and OGBEA appealed to the Bank management to immediately resume constructive dialogue and resolve the pending issues amicably in the interest of employees, customers and the institution. The unions also sought the support and understanding of customers, farmers, Self-Help Groups, pensioners and the people of Odisha for their peaceful democratic movement.