Date:19/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/19/stories/2005021901081700.htm

Back Befi stages demonstration

Our Bureau

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Members of the Bank Employees Federation of India (Befi) staged a demonstration in front of the main branch of the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) here on Friday as part of a show of strength staged in all State Capitals.

The demonstration was held to protest against the Centre's move to initiate mergers and acquisitions in the public sector banking sector. Mr A.V. Bellarmin, Member of Parliament from Nagercoil, inaugurated the proceedings here.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bellarmin said any attempt on the part of the United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre to deviate from the common minimum programme would be vehemently fought on the floor of Parliament as well as off it.

All the defence mounted by the Centre in support of mergers and acquisitions were baseless and meant hardships for employees as well as customers, according to Mr Siaudeen, General Secretary, Befi-Kerala. Among the service organisation leaders who spoke on the occasion were Mr K. Jayachandran, Mr V.R. Vijayakumar, Mr K. Sivakumar, Mr S. Asok Kumar, Mr V.S. Sudheesh Kumar, Mr Pratap Dev and Mr Kallara Madhu.