The Pioneer 13.12.2010
SBI encroaches upon staff flatsShikha Verma | New Delhi
Even after 38 years, the DDA flats which were meant to be allotted to low-income group (LIG) are still in the possession of allottees’ employer — State Bank of India — and the bank has converted the residential flats into staff quarters. As per the documents available with The Pioneer, 132 LIG flats were allotted to SBI in 1972 by DDA on the condition that these would be further allotted in the name of individual employees on ownership basis, as per their eligibility at that time and were not to be used as staff quarters.
These 132 LIG flats are located on Lawrence Road and are known as ‘The State Bank of India Residents Welfare Society’.
Despite the decision and directions given by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Finance, SBI refused to hand over the flats to its low-grade employees. It may be noted that along with SBI, the flats were allotted to other public sector units, including LIC, FCI, MMTC and Post and Telegraph Department. Except SBI, its other counterparts have already allotted the flats to their employees on the ownership basis.
The note prepared by DDA in 1971 states that no other than people belonging to weaker section is eligible to retain the ownership rights of these flats.
“The noting clears that the PSUs, including SBI, have been made just mediators for these flats. But even after deducting the premium from its employees’ monthly salaries, SBI did not allot the flats to them. SBI also deducted the monthly charges from employees’ salaries and after recovering full amount, the bank did not transfer the flats in the name of the concerned employee,” said K Padmanabhan, Social and RTI activist who is running from pillar to post along with the affected employees to get the possession of the flats.
Out of 132 flats in Pocket C-3 at Lawrence Road in Keshav Puram, there are six flats which are locked for more than two decades. 113 occupants include senior citizens, widows (senior citizens) and children of the deceased retired employees who do not have any other shelter to go at this stage. The occupants alleged that the flats are not even maintained by the bank.
The matter was also reported to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, DDA, then Finance Minister P Chidambaram (present Union Home Minister) and others. In 1997, Dikshit wrote a letter to Chidambaram to issue necessary directions to the management of State Bank of India so that its low-paid eligible employees get justice.
The retired employees of the bank stated, “There are 48 retired employees whose terminal benefits have been stopped by SBI. The bank has not only stopped Provident Fund contribution of the employees but has also retained leave encashment, gratuity, ex-gratia payment of the employees who took VRS. Later on, SBI also issued eviction notice to flats’ occupants.” At present the matter is pending before the mediation and conciliation centre of Delhi High Court.
