As the much-anticipated Diwali festival of 2023 draws near, several banks in India are extending the tradition of spreading joy by offering special funds to their employees for purchasing sweets and gifts. Diwali, a nationwide celebration, is set to take place on November 12, 2023.
SBI’s Generosity
India’s largest bank, the State Bank of India (SBI), has granted a sum of Rs 2,500 to each of its over 2 lakh employees before the festive season, as reported in the 2023 annual report.
The Circular from SBI
The State Bank of India (SBI) officially issued a circular regarding this generous gesture.
According to the circular, employees received Rs 2,500 from the Welfare Fund for the purchase of sweets and dry fruits.
The bank’s notice, dated November 3, also recommended that every employee in the circle and CC branches be presented with sweets, dry fruits, hampers, and vouchers, along with a greeting card from the President.
PNB’s Contribution
In addition to SBI, the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has given Rs 1,000 to all of its more than 1 lakh employees in honor of Diwali.
The bank expressed its happiness in enhancing the festive spirit and recognizing the unwavering dedication of its staff by gifting dry fruits worth Rs 1,000 to each employee, along with chocolates.
Union Bank of India’s Festive Gesture
Union Bank of India has equally participated in spreading Diwali joy by offering Rs 1,500 to each employee.
Indian Overseas Bank and Canara Bank’s Contributions
The Indian Overseas Bank has generously provided Rs 2,000 to its employees, while Canara Bank has gifted Rs 2,500 to celebrate the festival.
UCO Bank’s Unique Approach
However, UCO Bank made a distinctive decision by choosing not to provide sweets to its top 10 defaulters, who have not repaid their loans.
An earlier circular from the bank had suggested that branch managers meet these defaulters and offer them sweets, aiming to foster closer relations between the bank and its clients.
This initiative was even extended to the zonal chiefs who were advised to greet their respective top 10 defaulters.
Nevertheless, UCO Bank retracted this decision on November 2, no longer offering sweets to the defaulters.
