I am writing to share a personal story that impacts not just me, but many others who retired from the erstwhile Bank of Rajasthan, now merged with ICICI Bank. After years of dedicated service, we feel overlooked as our family pension has not been upgraded to the level received by other nationalised bank retirees. We request an upgrade of our family pension to 30%, aligning with the benefits provided to nationalised bank employees, starting from 2021.

For decades, we have contributed significantly to the banking sector. We were there through banking reforms, innovation, and during economic challenges, ensuring the financial stability of our customers. Yet, in our retirement, we find ourselves facing financial insecurity. The rising cost of living, medical expenses, and decreased interest rates on savings make it increasingly difficult to maintain a decent quality of life with our current pension benefits.

One of the most concerning disparities is that our family pension remains significantly lower than that of our peers in nationalised banks. For instance, employees of State Bank of India and other nationalised banks currently receive a family pension calculated at 30% of their last drawn salary, a benchmark we are requesting to be applied to us. It stands as a simple yet impactful change that acknowledges our service and assures our families’ security in our absence.

The merger of the Bank of Rajasthan into ICICI Bank brought hope for similar benefits as other nationalised banks. However, this crucial aspect – the alignment of pension benefits – was not addressed, leaving us financially disadvantaged.

We urge the management of ICICI Bank and the concerned authorities to rectify this oversight. We also call upon governmental and banking authorities to intervene and ensure that the pension parity is achieved, starting from January 2021. Such a decision will not only bring us financial relief but also restore dignity and respect to a dedicated workforce.

We implore all stakeholders to view this as a moral obligation, more than just a financial adjustment. Adopting this policy will affirm that every employee, regardless of the banking consolidation, receives fair treatment.

Please join us in this effort to secure a fair and improved quality of life for former Bank of Rajasthan employees. Sign this petition to show your support for pension parity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many deserving retirees.