AIPNBOF has urged Punjab National Bank to conduct an independent audit of approximately 10,500 branches following an ₹11.24 crore fraud incident. The federation has sought a review of staffing, employee training, operational controls and accountability at all management levels.
The All India Punjab National Bank Officers’ Federation (AIPNBOF) has requested Punjab National Bank (PNB) to conduct a comprehensive and impartial audit of approximately 10,500 branches following a reported ₹11.24 crore fraud at its Greater Noida branch and the subsequent suspension of several branch officials.
In a circular dated 30 October, addressed to PNB’s Managing Director and CEO, the federation raised concerns over the suspension of branch heads and called for an examination of the institutional and administrative factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The federation has requested a comparison of sanctioned staff strength with actual employee availability across branches. It has also recommended reviewing staffing requirements based on business volume, customer footfall, geographical location, operational responsibilities and employee workload.
Further, AIPNBOF has called for an assessment of employee training in cash management, banking operations, security procedures, fraud prevention and the proper use of banking systems. The review should also cover the role of corporate, zonal and circle offices in manpower planning, supervision, employee guidance and capacity building.
The federation clarified that it does not oppose disciplinary action against employees found guilty of negligence, misconduct or violations of bank policies. However, it stressed that accountability should extend beyond branch-level officials to senior administrative authorities wherever responsibility is established.
AIPNBOF General Secretary Krishna Kumar also cautioned against immediate punitive decisions without examining the broader circumstances. The federation has requested PNB management to share the audit findings and details of action taken against responsible officials at different administrative levels.
Source: CA Sansaar