Kolkata | February 13, 2026 | Special Correspondent
In a grand and resolute show of unity, the 31st State Conference of the Bengal Provincial Bank Employees’ Association (B.P.B.E.A.) was held today at 6:00 p.m. at the iconic Mahajati Sadan, drawing massive participation from the banking fraternity across the state.
The conference commenced with a spectacular and disciplined procession of bank employees that marched from B.B.D. Bagh to the venue. The rally, marked by slogans, banners, and vibrant participation, powerfully reflected the collective strength, solidarity, and determination of bank workers.
More than 1,000 delegates and observers attended the inaugural session, underlining the significance of the conference at a crucial juncture for India’s banking sector.
The inaugural address was delivered by Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), who graced the occasion as the Chief Inaugurator. The conference was further honoured by the presence of C.H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary of All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), attending as the Chief Guest.
Key Focus Areas of the Conference
The three-day conference, scheduled to continue until February 15, 2026, is deliberating extensively on critical issues confronting bank employees and the financial sector, including:
- Safeguarding workmen and employees’ rights
- Strengthening Public Sector Banking
- Addressing challenges from rapid digitization
- Assessing impacts of changing financial policies
Major Demands Raised
Delegates strongly voiced a charter of demands, notably:
- Ensuring Job Security
- Immediate Recruitment in vacant posts
- Improvement in Service Conditions
- Opposition to Privatization of Public Sector Banks
- Better Customer Service mechanisms
- Minimization of Service Charges
- Expansion of Mass Banking initiatives
- Preventing Corporate Loot of Public Money
A central motto of the conference is to reinforce trade union unity and solidarity by addressing industry-specific issues in close coordination with national-level platforms, particularly the All India Bank Employees’ Association.
Leaders also reviewed recent developments in early 2026, including ongoing union actions, emerging demands, and the roadmap for potential industrial movements in the banking sector.
The conference stands as a decisive platform to shape future strategies of the bank employees’ movement while reaffirming commitment to protecting public banking and workers’ rights.
— Com. Rajen Nagar
General Secretary
B.P.B.E.A.
Dated: 13.02.2026
