Shri Velayudhan K.S., President, State Bank of India SC/ST
Employees Welfare Association [SEWA],
Shri Mrigendra Lal Das, Chief General Manager, SBI,
Shri Ramaprasad K.P., General Secretary, SEWA
Smt. Sharina Saseendran, Deputy General Secrertary, SEWA
Shri Pratheesh V.B., Organizing Secretary,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
It gives me great joy to inaugurate the 7th triennialGeneral Conference of the State Bank of India Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes Employees' Welfare Association [SEWA],which is affiliated to the National Federation of State Bank of India SC/ST Employees.
Let me begin by complimenting the State Bank of India SC/ST Employees' Welfare Association, for its non-Political and classless character, uniting employees from the Subordinate to the Officer Cadre. I am informed that this Association has been working to ensure the protection and advancement of the social, economic and cultural interests and overall welfare of its members.
Service organizations often follow a tradition of updating their members about their rights and responsibilities. I am happy that this Association has also been endeavoring to safeguard the constitutional rights of its members, to educate them on the policies related to reservations and to report discrimination and injustice in appointments and promotions at various levels.It is good to know that the employees of the State Bank of India in Kerala, belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, are reaping the benefits of these efforts.
As a person hailing from the judiciary, any mention of reservations and constitutional provisions for the deprived classes calls to my mind, memories of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The views and contributions of this great visionary continue to remind us of the real strength of our democracy. His contribution as the chief architect of one of the finest constitutions in the world, was guided by a strong concept of democracy and a stronger desire to ensure a life of dignity to millions of people, who were neglected by history.
As most of us are aware, Dr. Ambedkargrew up facing the toughest modes of discrimination. But, the ill treatment meted out to him by some people during his schooldays and even during his initial official life, could not dampen his determination to change the world. At one stage, he even felt that Democracy in India was only a top-dressing on an essentially undemocratic soil. But, such instances only strengthened his resolve to excel in his work and to succeed in drafting a Constitution with rights and safeguards capable of triggering a social change and pointing towards social justice. The success and greatness of
Dr. Ambedkarwas that he could strongly convey his concept of democracy and equity through the most sacred text of any democracy, namely the Constitution.
It is well known that the government has made strict provisions to ensure that the rights of the employees belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Tribes are properly granted. The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)Act, 1989, which has been amended recently, for instance, lays down several provisions to protect these rights and to ensure a discrimination free atmosphere at the work places. Formation of grievance cells, appointment of Nodal officers for handling grievances of employees etc., have been complied with in most organizations. Associations like the State Bank of India SC/ST Employees welfare Associationcan go a long way in sensitizing its members about their rights and privileges as employees and about improving their professional skills to assert their equality in society. I am happy that this Association has also been helping the State Bank of India in resolving the grievances of Employees and in framing the road map for improvement of their conditions.
Though we have many provisions to ensure equality and equity, complaints about discrimination do arise even now. But, today, there is a positive response to such complaints and society has become more willing to accept changes to ensure justice. It is worthwhile to remember Dr. Ambedkar'sconcept of reservation as a Constitutional Obligation rather than a political gimmick or charity. While Governments are duty-bound to provide reservation as a constitutional obligation, those who avail it must also utilize the bestowed opportunity to the maximum. Let us not forget that opportunity given but wasted is equal to opportunity not given at all.
Since this audience is dominated by employees of India's largest banking network, I feel that I should remind you ofDr. Ambedkar'simmense faith in the role of industrialization and agriculture as vectors of change in India’s economy. Each of you, in your official capacity as bankers, should look within and evaluate your contribution towards encouraging agriculture and industrialization.
As all of you know, Government of India had introduced Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojanato extend bank coverage to very citizen. That programme was a success, but, inclusion of everyone cannot be limited to the opening of accounts. The employees of the banks should extend all help to people in the lower socio-economic strata to utilize the facilities of banking. Though some of our banks are somewhat liberal with our farmers, we still need to build up better trust between the banks and farmers. This trust can be built up only through constant interaction, a liberal attitude and a clear and sympathetic understanding of the realities faced by farmers and small businesses.
I would also request this Association to persuade the banks to devise schemes to empower farmers and small entrepreneurs, especially women from the economically weaker sections for upgrading their skills in farming and business. Only through such empowerment can we realize the strong ideals of participative democracy as conceived by Dr. Ambedkar.
I compliment the Association for its sizable contribution to the Kerala Government's Distress Relief Fund during the Floods of last year. I wish all members of the Association the very best in their future endeavors and hope that they would bring positive changes in the areas of their service.
I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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