Patna: More than 10,900 employees of Bihar Gramin Bank (BGB) will receive financial benefits totalling Rs 77.69 crore after two industrial disputes between the bank management and employees’ organisations were settled through conciliation, Union ministry of labour and employment said on Tuesday.The disputes were resolved recently with the intervention of the assistant labour commissioner (central), Patna, under the ministry. Officials said the agreements were reached through constructive dialogue and cooperation between the management and unions, ending pending issues and reinforcing industrial harmony in the bank.The first settlement was signed on Oct 22 between Bihar Gramin Bank Adhikari Sangh, Patna, and the BGB management. It is expected to benefit about 8,400 employees and involves financial gains of around Rs 67.17 crore. The agreement covers several long-pending demands, including payment of Performance Linked Incentive (PLI), officiating allowances, wage enhancement, higher travel allowances, promotions and compassionate appointments.The second settlement was signed on Oct 23 between Bihar Gramin Bank Workers Organisation (BGBWO) and the management. It will benefit nearly 2,500 employees, with financial benefits estimated at Rs 10.52 crore. This includes recurring annual benefits of about Rs 9.02 crore.According to the ministry, the second agreement deals with the implementation of the 12th Bipartite Settlement, enhancement of House Rent Allowance, higher transport allowance for disabled employees, payment of overtime, transparency in promotion procedures and formation of a Negotiating Council.The ministry said both settlements were facilitated by active participation from employees’ organisations and bank management, ensuring amicable resolution of the disputes and stability in workplace relations across Bihar.
