The 12th Bipartite Settlement (BPS) implementation in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) has been a contentious issue, with sponsor banks' non-compliance raising questions about accountability. Despite the Government of India's directive, thousands of employees and retirees are still awaiting the full implementation of the 12th BPS and 9th Joint Note benefits. This delay has sparked concerns about administrative inertia, sponsor bank reluctance, and NABARD's ineffective oversight.
Employees are frustrated, arguing that the issue has evolved beyond mere procedure, reflecting a systemic disregard for their welfare. The implementation of 12th BPS benefits varies widely across RRBs, with some banks implementing most components while others have adopted only selected benefits or none at all. Banks like Manipur Rural Bank, Maharashtra Gramin Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank, and Rajasthan Gramin Bank have reported the most non-implementation of crucial allowances.
Essential components such as special pay for office assistants, washing allowance, medical reimbursement, halting allowance, and 150% HRA remain overdue in several banks. A senior RRB employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized sponsor banks for dragging their feet, suggesting that the delay is more a result of reluctance than oversight. Basic allowances like special area allowance or transport allowance have also been implemented unevenly, causing disparity among employees across states.
Retired staff, who are among the most affected due to pending arrears, have expressed deep frustration with NABARD's monitoring. They argue that while sponsor banks are often blamed for resisting changes or delaying approval, NABARD's inaction has allowed non-compliance to continue unchecked. One retiree from Telangana told Kanal, "NABARD's monitoring on this issue is disappointing. Its officials sit on RRB boards, yet implementation is stuck for more than a year. This is a matter of utmost concern."
The responsibility for ensuring compliance is blurred, as RRBs operate at the intersection of the Government of India, sponsor banks, and NABARD. When implementation falters, it becomes challenging to determine who is ultimately accountable for executing Government directives in RRBs. As one frustrated employee of Assam Gramin Bank stated, "When the Government issues an order, it must be implemented. If sponsor banks resist and NABARD fails to enforce compliance, whom should RRB employees approach for justice?"
The delay in 12th BPS benefits has become a test of fairness and institutional accountability, eroding morale and undermining the dignity of the workforce as RRBs expand their rural credit responsibilities. The larger questions now demand urgent answers: Will sponsor banks finally comply without further delay? Will NABARD enforce strict monitoring? Will the Government step in to ensure uniform implementation across all RRBs?
