PNB union seeks audit of 10,500 branches after ₹11.24 cr fraud, multiple suspensions; warns against ‘knee-jerk’ action

**PNB Union Flags Branch-Level Failures**

The India Punjab National Bank Officers' Federation (AIPNBOF) has raised concerns over disciplinary action taken against several branch heads nationwide, following incidents where unauthorised individuals were discovered at branch computers and in cash handling areas. The action follows a fraud at PNB's Greater Noida branch, where customers reported missing funds from savings accounts and fixed deposits. A female employee is suspected of colluding with outsiders and using the branch manager's password to move customer funds without authorisation. The alleged fraud involves ₹11.24 crore.

In a circular dated October 30 addressed to PNB's managing director and chief executive, the federation clarified it does not defend any employee found responsible for misconduct. However, it urged the bank to examine the systemic and administrative conditions that may have enabled such lapses. AIPNBOF general secretary Krishna Kumar cautioned against a "knee-jerk reaction," stressing the need for thorough examination over immediate punitive measures.

**Audit Demand Across All Branches**

The federation has asked PNB management to conduct a comprehensive and impartial audit of all approximately 10,500 branches. It wants scrutiny of staffing adequacy, employee training, knowledge enhancement and capacity building. Specifically, it seeks assessment of whether staff received proper instruction in operational procedures, cash management, security protocols, fraud prevention and correct use of banking systems, along with the frequency and practical effectiveness of such training.

AIPNBOF has also called for review of how manpower planning, monitoring, guidance and policy implementation responsibilities are distributed across administrative levels. It argued accountability should not fall solely on branch officials, and that senior management must be examined on whether it provided adequate manpower, training, systems and operational support. T…