By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Monday, February 9, 2026
AGARTALA: The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), the oldest and largest trade union for bank employees in India, is set to celebrate its 80th Founding Day on April 20, 2026. Ahead of this historic milestone, the Tripura State Unit of AIBEA held a press conference to announce its 8th Triennial Conference, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at the Parkline Hotel near Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan.
Global Leadership Descends on Agartala
The conference will be inaugurated by the legendary leader and General Secretary of AIBEA, Shri C.H. Venkatachalam, whose presence is expected to galvanize bank employees across the state. The open session will also feature:
- Chief Guest: Shri Rajen Nagar, President of AIBEA.
- Guest of Honour: Shri Gaurav Sharma, General Secretary of the Assam Provincial Bank Employees Association.
- Special Guest: Shri Kushal Kumar Gupta, General Secretary of the AIBOA Tripura Unit.
Navigating Post-Pandemic & Merger Challenges
During the press meet, the state leadership highlighted the critical role of the banking sector in building a robust national economy. However, they expressed deep concern over the “strange financial crisis” currently gripping the world following the COVID-19 pandemic and the large-scale bank mergers initiated by the central government.
“The banking sector is at a crossroads. While the world struggles with post-COVID liquidity issues, the merger of banks in India has led to increased work pressure, staff shortages, and a shift away from social banking. Our 8th Triennial Conference will focus on finding remedies for these challenges and defining the role of trade unions in protecting both the banks and the employees,” the AIBEA state leadership told reporters.
AIBEA: A Legacy of 80 Years
Founded in 1946, AIBEA has been the vanguard of bank employees’ rights for eight decades. The leadership reminded the press of the union’s glorious past, including its pivotal role in the nationalization of banks in 1969.
- The Mission: The upcoming 80th-anniversary theme, “Banks for the People – Banks for the Nation,” will be a central pillar of the Agartala conference.
- The Struggle: The conference will also discuss the recent call for a Nationwide General Strike on February 12 against the new Labour Codes and the demand for a 5-day banking week.
Future Outlook: Responsibility of Unions
The leadership emphasized that in the current era of “corporate-driven reforms,” the responsibility of bank trade unions has doubled. The conference will serve as a platform to deliberate on:
- Preventing Privatization: Guarding public sector banks from being handed over to corporate houses.
- Employee Welfare: Addressing the mental and physical stress caused by staff shortages and digital transitions.
- Financial Stability: Strategies to handle the rising Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) while ensuring credit reaches the priority sectors.
The session concluded with an invitation to all bank employees and stakeholders to participate in the open session at Parkline Hotel, ensuring that the voice of the working class remains a formidable force in the nation’s financial landscape.
