Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: State Bank of India Officers' Association (Bengal Circle) is going to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary this year. Sixty years ago, during a crucial period in Indian history, the SBIDA (Bengal Circle) was established as part of the Indian working-class movement. The struggle for bank nationalization was underway, aiming to transform the bank from a class-oriented operational model to one of mass banking.
The Imperial Bank of India was formally taken over by the Reserve Bank of India in July 1955, marking the government's entry into the financial market. The officers of the State Bank of India have led efforts to align the bank's services with the aspirations of citizens, while advocating for the dignified existence of bank officers. Over the past 60 years, the SBIOA (Bengal Circle) has upheld the rights and privileges of its members, actively opposing regressive economic policies pursued by successive Union Governments. Simultaneously, we have been at the forefront of implementing pro-people initiatives introduced by the government at both the Centre and State levels, often working beyond regular business hours. This commitment was particularly evident during the demonetization period and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during the opening of Jan Dhan accounts and assisting beneficiaries of various government schemes, reaching out to some of the most underserved communities.
Through its various units and wings, the SBIOA (Bengal Circle) has consistently supported society by organizing blood donation camps, participating in relief efforts for those affected by natural disasters, and providing financial support to meritorious but underprivileged students. Additionally, we have an in-house cultural wing that promotes the talents of our members through various cultural activities
As directed by our parent body, the All India State Bank Officers' Federation (AISBOF), and the All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC), we have actively defended bank nationalization and opposed the regressive measures of successive Union Governments, including the recently introduced Labour Codes. We remain committed to our ongoing objectives, such as advocating for a 5-day work week, ensuring adequate recruitment across all levels in banks, and preventing any dilution of priority sector lending. We would be left with no other option but to take to the streets with a nationwide strike in late January 2026.
To celebrate our anniversary, we will showcase a tableau that tells the story of our 60 years of dedicated service to the nation. Our 60th Annual General Meeting will be held on January 10, 2026, at Nazrul Manch, Kolkata, where we will outline our roadmap for the future
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our well-wishers, seniors, and extended family members on this historic occasión/ We are committed to serve society with renewed vigor while maintaining our support for and participation in all democratic working-class movements.