Banking operations hit in MP

Bhopal, July 28 (UNI) Over 25,000 public sector bank employees -- barring State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Indian Overseas Bank -- in Madhya Pradesh today joined nationwide day-long strike against outsourcing of services.

The strike, called by All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) and All India Bank Officer's Association (AIBOA), was also to press for one more pension option.

The unions are demanding withdrawal of RBI circular on outsourcing, cap voting rights at 10 per cent for foreign investors, filling up one lakh vacancies and an option to switch from provident fund to pension scheme.

In the state capital, about 3,000 bank employees raised slogans and displayed flags, banners, posters and placards in favour of their demands at the New market square despite rainfall.

A rally was taken out from the New market square and it reached Central Bank at GTB complex after negotiating its way through Apex bank trijunction, Panchanan Bhawan, Bhadabada road and Rangmahal square.

Banking operations in Indore, the state's financial capital, remained paralysed due to the strike besides other parts of the state.

UNI PS 1559