Many Syndicate Bank employees expressed shock and embarrassment as customers pressed them for details on the suspension of their Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) S K Jain on corruption charges.
“We are embarrassed as customers are asking us information. The incident has hit the headlines, and they think we know what is happening,” said an employee, speaking on condition of anonymity. Some felt that Jain could be a victim of “politics”. The CMD was appointed by the UPA during its second innings, and maybe the NDA wanted to settled scores.
They also felt that Jain, who came from Bank of Baroda about 14 months ago, might have tried to “recover” the money he might have paid to secure the post. They admitted that the development was a blot on the bank. Many felt that more people might face the music.
A senior manager expressed doubt that some corporates might have had a role in the episode, trying to dent the image of the nationalised banks and promote the business of new-generation lenders.
The All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) said the incident is only the tip of the iceberg. It demanded that the government introduce a transparent mechanism regarding the appointment to top posts in banks.