Controversy after SBI branch changes weekly off; people ask if bank follows ‘sharia’ calendar
In a big decision, the public sector State Bank of India’s Govandi Branch has decided ro change the weekly off of their employees from December 1. Announcing the eyebrow raising news, the bank put up a notice in a big banner outside the branch’s premises this week and the move is purportedly intended to facilitate the local minority population living in and around Govandi, a north-eastern suburb.
As per the notice, come December 1, the SBI Govandi Branch will remain shut on all Fridays, and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. From Sunday to Thursday, the business hours will be normal — from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily — as stated in the notice.
The decision has elicited strong reactions on social media with objections to the Friday closure to cater to “the demands of the local demographics”. Some people even accused the bank of trying to implement “sharia” rules.
“SBI Govandi Branch Closed on Fridays – ‘JUMMA DAY’ – in keeping with the Demands of the ‘Demographics’ of this Area ..!! SHARIA is Closer than we think it is,” a Twitter user Rajpal Dhular opined while sharing the notice put out by the bank.
*SBI – Govandi Branch Closed on Fridays – 'JUMMA DAY' – in keeping with the Demands of the 'Demographics' of this Area ..!! SHARIA is Closer than we Think it is ..!!*इनकी जहा संख्या बढ़ी वहा सरिया लागू हुआ समझो ….जागो हिंदूओ जागो! pic.twitter.com/LVRde99YDq
— राजपाल दूलर Rajpal Dular (@rpdular1) November 30, 2022
Another twitter user also asked whether the bank is “following sharia”?
SBI follows Shariah rules? SBI Govandi Branch changes weekly off to Fridays, with effect from December 1 which raised concerns in some regions. ☘️💥
https://t.co/jH08sbJBjW pic.twitter.com/PyhqJnHTrU
— Dharma (@Dharma4X) November 30, 2022
Netizens urged the bank to withdraw the decision immediately. “This decision should be cancelled immediately.
However, it is also pointed out that adjusting week-offs is not entirely new for banks in Mumbai. Some branches of certain other banks in the city and some other parts of the country also provide a Sunday half-day working — which is compensated by all Saturdays off, in view of local people’s convenience.