Bankers- Unsung heroes of the COVID era

Bankers, particularly the mid-level and entry-level employees, have been the unsung corona warriors. There has been no

Banker-in-arms

 panegyric on the risks these unsung heroes have exposed themselves to while providing banking services to the most underprivileged in the country.  Yet they have worked relentlessly and assiduously over the past few months. Even amidst the churn created by COVID-19, these indefatigable spirits have made sure that the last mile cash deliverance is carried out with finesse. It is not the Middle and Higher-Income-Groups which suffer when the Government announces draconian and unilateral measures such as demonetization and lockdown but the least privileged classes that do. As much progress as India has made in making its economy cashless, the fact is cash is still the king and will remain so in the foreseeable future. In both the events, Demonetization and Lockdown announced with much secrecy and this government’s favourite shock-and-awe approach, the Government forgot about these vast sections of the Indian hoi-polloi.  These unsung COVID warriors have ensured a sense of normalcy by providing not only the much-needed banking services but also assuaging the fears of the poor about the virus and its impact. Public Sector Bankers are the Government’s arms dealing with these disadvantaged groups.

Serpentine queue 

Delivery of various schemes of the government like PMJDY, PMGKY, Mudra Schemes and Direct Benefit Transfers are made successful even during the peak of the pandemic by these bankers. Just consider this, 19.86 crores Jan Dhan accounts held by women are being credited each month with ₹500 each under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna resulting in long queues outside banks’ branches’ with little to no physical distancing being followed. Bankers are providing services to all these people without worrying about their safety from the virus spreading from these people. The fact that a lot of bank personnel with co-morbidities and pregnant women staff have continued working even though they are at a higher risk of fatality says a lot about their commitment and devotion to duty. 

All this coming at the backdrop of bank mergers causing pandemonium among the merged banks and its employees makes it even more remarkable. Unfortunately, while in the line of duty, many bankers have lost their lives due to Covid-19 without any gratitude being expressed either by the customers or the Government. We need to recognize the excellent work being put up by these corona warriors and give it the much-deserved appreciation and admiration. Thank you to all my former colleagues and current warriors for being compassionate and diligent during these extraordinary times. You work is highly appreciated. This country and I will forever be grateful.

-Sunny Gusain

* Views expressed are personal. If anyone is offended, I've succeeded.