The chairman of the government-owned National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development, Prakash Bakshi, has started cracking the whip to bring accountability among the 5,000-plus employees.
Bakshi, who took over as chairman in June, has suspended an officer of the rank of chief general manager (CGM) from the department of production credit, for lack of presentation in time of certain data he’d sought. This is the first time since the ban’s inception that a CGM has been suspended. Further, an explanation was sought from another CGM from a regional office in southern India on an alleged impropriety. Disciplinary action has also been ordered against a senior lady officer.
A Nabard official, who did not want to be identified, told Business Standard: “The chairman has also asked the officials and employees to remain present well before the timing of a meeting. If they fail to do, they will be barred from attending it. Besides, staff at official meetings have been told to switch off their mobiles or keep it on silent mode; if not, they may be fined Rs 25,000.”
Bakshi was not reachable for comments. A Nabard Officers’ Association member confirmed the chairman’s drive, and was critical, saying: “Accountability should commensurate with the work handled. The CGM suspension was not at all warranted, as the ground on which the action has been initiated is not sustainable. The Association's Central Executive Committee (CEC) at its two-day meeting in the last week of July held a marathon discussion in this regard. The CEC members, by and large, felt the steps under the garb of bringing accountability in the functioning are in the nature of victimisation.”
Bakshi’s initiative comes at a time when the bank is re-analysing its product range and work processes.It is also exploring the design of new products, such as supporting and financing producers’ organisations, to capitalise on the advantages of value-chain financing and increasing the incomes of grassroot producers.