SLBC, Maharashtra, vide their communication dt. 16.06.2020, has requested Hon’ble Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to arrange to include Bank Staff in the list of essential staff so as to enable them to commute by local trains for attending to their duties and provide banking services to their customers.
Recently Western Railway and Central Railway have resumed their selected suburban services over main and harbour lines for essential staff as identified by the State Government.
Along with State Police as well as Medical Professionals, despite all hardships, Banks have also been providing essential services to the public during the entire period of lockdownas per the guidelines issued by the Central / State Governments from time to time.
Mumbai is considered as the financial capital of the Country and as such, majority of the Banks are having their Head Offices in Mumbai. Consequently, large number of Bank Staff is spread over the vast geographical area of Mumbai City, Suburb, Navi Mumbai and Thane and it is imperative for them to commute by local trains.
However, we are getting feedback from the Banking Fraternity that Bank Staff is not being allowed by Railway Authorities to commute by local trains as they are not identified as essential staff by the State Government.
The State Administration has assured to look into the matter and convey favourable decision in this regard shortly.