A significant awareness campaign undertaken by bank employees, covering a vast distance on bicycles, successfully entered Vijayawada this week. The "Jana Chaitanya Yatra – Cycle Ride", organized by the AP & Telangana Bank Employees Federation (AP&TBEF), arrived in the Enikepadu area of the city on Tuesday, marking a crucial leg of its long journey.
The Long Ride for a Vital Cause
This unique protest and awareness ride embarked on an ambitious 850-kilometer route from Visakhapatnam to Tirupati. Pedaling under the slogan "From district to district – between people", the participants aimed to bridge the gap between citizens and the issues plaguing the public sector banking industry. The core mission was to highlight the challenges faced by these banks and the common people who rely on their services.
Key Demands of the Movement
Upon their arrival in Vijayawada, the cyclists were welcomed with a program where they laid out their primary demands clearly. The federation is advocating for three major changes:
- Protection and strengthening of public sector banks from policies that weaken them.
- Immediate recruitment of bank staff to address understaffing issues.
- The implementation of a 5-day banking policy for employees.
Speaking on the purpose of the yatra, Datla NS Ramaraju, a former soldier and bank employee, emphasized that the movement seeks to fortify national banks that are fundamentally meant to serve the public interest. Leaders from the AP&TBEF were resolute, stating that this collective action will persist as a form of resistance against any policies that undermine the stability and service ethos of public sector banks.
A Continued Journey of Advocacy
The successful reach of the yatra to Vijayawada demonstrates the sustained effort of the banking community. The federation has made it clear that this is not a one-off event but part of a continuous movement. By taking their message directly to the people across districts, they hope to galvanize public support and draw attention to the critical role that public sector banks play in the nation's economic fabric, especially for the common citizen.
