Maha bank unions to launch voter awareness campaign, quiz LS candidates

In a groundbreaking move, major bank unions are set to launch a ‘voter awareness’ campaign in April, questioning Lok Sabha candidates on crucial banking issues. The campaign will begin in Maharashtra and then expand to other states going to elections in April-May 2024.

The initiative, led by the Maharashtra State Bank Employees Federation (MSBEF), will involve public meetings, audio-visual shows, distributing pamphlets, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about challenges facing the banking sector.

With over 80,000 bank branches in India, including 12,000 in Maharashtra, the unions aim to address concerns such as electoral bonds, bankers’ collusion with the government, privatization policies, and high service charges. Banking expert Vishwas Utagi highlighted the nexus between politics and banking, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The MSBEF plans to engage with political parties and demand clarity on these issues. They warn that parties failing to protect the interests of banks and the public may face public backlash in the 2024 elections. The campaign seeks to empower voters with knowledge about the banking sector’s challenges and how they impact the economy.