last 4 digits of ATM card
number' to 567676.
9.5 Other Software Initiatives and Value Added Applications
Following are the major in-house software developments.
- Web portal for Depositors Education Awareness Fund Scheme (DEAF) -
DEAF Scheme is initiated by RBI for custody of unclaimed amount. This
application is developed to provide an interface to report unclaimed
balances with the branches.
- NREGA - EFMS Payment System - Payment System for NREGA.
- Public Interface to check status for MoneyTrans remittance -
currently only Exchange Company can check the status of the amount
remitted via Money Trans this interface will be available in public
website so that customers can directly check the status.
- Virtual Fee Counter - A service portal for collection of fee through
ECS debit.
- Vidyalakshmi portal - Vidyalakshmi is a portal for eligible students
seeking Education Loan. The portal has been developed and maintained by
NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited. As on date, 28 Banks have
integrated their systems with Vidyalakshmi Portal. Education Loan
schemes of these Banks are activated on Vidyalakshmi LIVE portal. Our
Bank was enabled on 30/11/2015 in the NSDL Vidyalakshmi Portal and
students can now apply for Education Loan Schemes ofered by our Bank
though Vidyalakshmi Portal.
- Home Listing Builders' Interface- A module for Builders to view and
respond to customer's queries.
- Online Mudra Shishu application form: New Online portal for customers
to apply for Mudra Shishu loan. Provision has been given to Applicant
for tracking the status of application
Social Media
The Bank is having dedicated page/channel in Facebook, Twitter and
YouTube with special emphasis to embrace the new generation customers.
All major products are now promoted through social media also. Customer
feedback/ information exchanges are also obtained through this media.
10. Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR) Initiatives
With the objective of improving performance and enhancing customer
service to global standards, the Bank has embarked on implementation of
various BPR initiatives by leveraging on its core competencies, state
of the art technology and redesigned operating architecture:
- RASMECCCs for appraisal and sanction of loans in PSB Retail and Small
& Medium Enterprises segments are functioning at 10 major centres. This
has enabled the Bank to reduce the response time in these centres,
thereby improving the level of customer satisfaction.
- Stressed Assets Resolution Centres (SARC) are functioning at seven
centres for more focused attention on recovery of stressed assets and
to upgrade the quality of assets.
- Trade Finance Central Processing Centres (TFCPC), aimed at ensuring
efcient and uniform handling of transactions related to inland and
foreign trade and Bank Guarantees by experienced personnel are
functioning at Ernakulam and Chennai linking 70 branches.
- Multi Product Sales Teams (MPST) are functioning at 11 centres. MPSTs
are supporting RASMECCC linked branches in marketing specifc products.
- Currency Administration Cells (CAC) are functioning
at 24 centres linking 362 branches for better cash management, out of
which, 2 CACs were set up this year. All the CACs have been merged with
parent branch for efective monitoring and follow up.
- A Liability Central Processing Centre (LCPC) is functioning at
Thiruvananthapuram to provide back ofce support to branches, in opening
and servicing of liability accounts such as Savings Bank and Current
Deposit Accounts. The Centre provides pre-generated Welcome Kits to the
linked branches consisting of ATM cards and cheque books. This
facilitates the customers to operate the accounts immediately after
opening the account. Issue of Cheque Books has been centralized and
issued through the centre.
- Pension processing is centralized at Centralised Pension Processing
Centre (CPPC) functioning at Thiruvananthapuram. All pension paying
branches are linked to the centre. The Centre ensures accuracy in
pension calculations, timely disbursement of pension and quick
settlement of transactions.
- A Centralised Clearing Processing Centre (CCPC) is functioning at
Thiruvananthapuram for processing of both inward and outward clearing
cheques. Branches in Kerala are linked to the centre. The Bank has
migrated fully to CTS scenario. All branches are processing cheques
through the linked regional grids of NPCI.
- "SBT CARE" an in-house customer care centre of the Bank at
Thiruvananthapuram, manned by the Bank's own staf was setup during the
year, in order to provide better service to the Banks' customers and to
the general public by way of information on product and services,
support and guidance on banking matters, redressal of issues faced by
customers etc., to supplement the existing Contact Centre at Bengaluru.
- Door step Banking is functioning at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and
Chennai. This facilitates cash pick up to corporate & leading business
establishments from their door steps.
- Dedicated ATM Cash Replenishment Van for replenishing cash in ATMs
are functioning at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam,
Palakkad and Kozhikode centres.
- Loan Origination Software (LOS) for processing PSB Retail Loan
applications through a web based utility is enabled in all branches
during the year. LOS for Agri and SME loans has also been introduced
during the year.
- Loan Lifecycle Management System (LLMS) for processing loans of above
Rs.5 crore was rolled out in March, 2016. The objective of the LLMS
application is to cover all the activities involved in end-to-end
credit process with focus on high value credit to track the health of
advances at all levels and to make available the required alerts on the
portfolios to all functionaries across the Bank.
The above major BPR initiatives implemented by the Bank are
contributing to the improvement of overall efciency, service delivery,
customers' convenience and business growth.
11. Internal Control Systems & Supervision
11.1 Integrated Risk Management
Bank's risk management philosophy is based on clear and timely
identifcation of various types of risks, accurate risk assessment and
measurement procedures and continuous monitoring. Integrated Risk
Management facilitates the Bank to have a holistic view of the risk
management. The risk from the major business lines of the Bank is
identifed and monitored. The distribution of possible losses is mapped
mainly under Credit, Market, Operational and Liquidity risks. The range
and distribution of losses/possible losses are quantifed on the basis
of stressed scenario analysis and capital requirement for the Bank is
assessed through Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP)
exercise. The risk capital assessed through ICAAP is also subjected to
periodical review through back testing.
Modular structure under Integrated Risk Management has various
divisions focused on management of specifc risks, viz. Asset Liability,
Market Risk, Credit Risk, Operational Risk and Information Systems
Security. The risk management architecture of the Bank consists of the
Board of Directors at the top having overall responsibility to
implement Risk Management Systems in the Bank. To this efect, Risk
Management Committee of the Board supervises the overall risk
management functions of the Bank. In line with the modular structure of
Integrated Risk Management, there are various risk management
committees to have focused attention on various risks, viz. Asset
Liability Management Committee (ALCO), Market Risk Management Committee
(MRMC), Credit Risk Management Committee (CRMC), and Operational Risk
Management Committee (ORMC). The General Manager (Risk Management) is
designated as the Chief Risk Ofcer (CRO). The Integrated Risk
Management Department headed by Deputy General Manager is responsible
for the overall daily management of risks at macro level. For
management of various risks, Bank has put in place various policies and
procedures.
For Credit Risk management, the Bank has a well- structured credit
review process with due emphasis on assessing the risk profle of the
counter party through internal rating mechanism. These ratings are
reviewed by independent risk rater and rating validation committees.
The Bank has also introduced validation of credit proposals by Chief
Risk Ofcer of the Bank from risk angle. Migration of internal rating
and external rating of borrowers are reviewed annually, besides
quarterly review of internal rating for an exposure of Rs.5 crore and
above. External rating is made mandatory for borrowers with specifc
exposure limit. Bank has also put in place various exposure limits -
for single borrower, group of borrowers, specifc sectors, industries
etc. - as per prudential exposure norms and as stipulated under Bank's
internal policies.
In order to mitigate the risk due to currency induced credit risk, the
Bank had implemented RBI guidelines to capture the un-hedged foreign
currency exposure of borrower entities. With a view to ensuring efcient
use of capital, the concept of Return on Capital Charge (ROCC) has been
implemented. Bank has initiated steps for introducing Risk Adjusted
Return on Capital (RAROC) of borrower entities for risk based pricing.
Bank takes up regular reviews of its various industry portfolios to
review industry outlook and initiate proactive measures suitably.
Credit Risk Assessment Systems followed by the Bank are reviewed
periodically to incorporate market changes. For retail loans, Bank uses
a risk scoring model. The Bank is presently following Standardized
Approach for Credit Risk.
The Bank is estimating capital charges for Operational Risk under Basic
Indicator Approach. Other risk prone operational areas of the Bank's
business are monitored and proactive actions for improvement are
initiated in consultation with other departments like Inspection
department, Systems & Procedures department, Frauds Prevention
Monitoring & Recovery department etc.
Market Risk is managed through adherence to various policies, in the
conduct of the investment and trading activities along with compliance
to various risk limits like position limits, stop loss limits, Value at
Risk (VaR), Management Action Trigger (MAT) and Cut Loss Triggers
(CLT), etc through constant monitoring of the risk positions. The
policies are reviewed periodically keeping in view regulatory changes,
business requirements and market developments. Presently the Bank has
adopted Standardized Duration approach for Market risk.
The Bank is closely monitoring the roadmap for migration to advanced
approaches under Basel norms. In this direction, Integrated Risk
Management Department has been conducting various programmes to
disseminate the risk management knowledge to the operating units. This
has resulted in better awareness among the operating staf about the
various risks, importance of accurate data for computation of capital
charge, need for capital conservation, and in general better risk
management orientation.
11.2 Asset Liability Management (ALM)
Asset Liability Management system has been implemented in the Bank,
since April 1, 1999, as per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines on ALM
and Liquidity Risk Management. As per the Bank's ALM Policy, the Asset
Liability Management Committee (ALCO) is authorized to evolve
appropriate systems and procedures for ongoing identifcation and
analysis of liquidity and market risks and to prescribe parameters for
efcient management of these risks. The ALCO headed by Managing Director
meets regularly to review and monitor the same.
Liquidity and interest rate risks are identifed, measured and monitored
by the ALCO through the prescribed statements, viz. Statement of
Structural Liquidity, Statement of Short Term Dynamic Liquidity,
Statement of Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity (Traditional and Duration
Gap methods), Stress Testing on Liquidity and Earnings, Liquidity
Coverage Ratio, other Basel III Liquidity Returns etc. ALCO discusses
these statements in detail and takes corrective actions whenever
necessary. As per the Bank's ALM Policy, a Contingency Funding Plan is
reviewed on a quarterly basis. Bank's Benchmark Lending Rates (Base
Rate and BPLR) and Card Rates for Deposits are discussed and decided by
the ALCO. The ALCO also discusses the economic developments and
monitors the changes in the market on an ongoing basis.
11.3 Information Security
Information Systems Security Cell (ISSC) monitors and supervises the
Information Systems with the goal to maintain its confdentiality,
integrity and availability at a level appropriate to Bank's targeted
Business. Information Security Policy of the Bank is the guiding
principle for the functioning of the ISSC. The information security
initiatives and analysis are discussed and reviewed by the Information
Security Committee (IS Committee).
All the servers and public facing URLs are integrated with State
Bank-SOC. Real time monitoring and generation of log and audit trail
are taking place. Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
exercise is being carried out for mitigation, complying with the
periodicity stipulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
Various initiatives to bring awareness among staf/ customers regarding
information security are also undertaken.
Progress in implementation of Gopalakrishna Committee recommendations:
IS Committee reviews the progress in implementing the recommendations
of the Working Group on Information Security, Electronic Banking,
Technology Risk Management and Cyber Frauds under the Chairmanship of
Shri G.Gopalakrishna. At present, 182 of the 201 applicable
recommendations are implemented in the Bank where as it was 146 on 31st
March, 2015. The progress is also reviewed in the periodic CISO
Conference of State Bank Group Entities and Chief Risk Ofcers Meet of
Associate Banks of SBI.
11.4 Credit Policy and Procedure Department
In order to have a centralized approach and proper coordination among
various development departments, Credit Policy and Procedure Department
(CPPD) has been set up in the Bank. The department is vested with the
responsibility of formulation and review of various credit related
policies and procedures of the Bank and also to keep track of RBI/SBI
directives in the matter.
The department came out with Loan Policy, Forensic Audit Policy, Hand
book of Pre-sanction and Post sanction - Due diligence in advances and
Credit manual apart from contributing signifcantly towards
strengthening systems and procedures by providing clarifcations on
various credit related issues and guidance to feld level functionaries.
11.5 Inspection and Supervision
Internal Audit/ inspection is an independent appraisal of operations of
various Systems and Controls within an organization to determine
whether acceptable policies and procedures designed to add value and
improve an organization's objectives are followed and resources are
used efciently and economically. Inspection and Audit Department at
Head Ofce monitors various risk parameters by conducting regular
Internal Inspection, Information System Audit, Compliance Audit of
Branches and System Audit of various Head Ofce Departments and Modules.
Apart from the above, the Bank has put in place an efective
institutional mechanism for Risk Based Supervision through RBS Cell in
the Inspection Department. As envisaged by the Regulator, the Bank has
adopted Risk Focused Internal Audit (RFIA) under RBS since 1st April,
2003. Based on the guidelines on Internal Audit issued by Government of
India, Bank's Inspection & Audit Policy has been suitably modifed. The
Bank has also incorporated the RBI guidelines on Information System
Audit in the IS Audit Policy.
Subsequent to migration to Core Banking, and constant up-gradation in
technology, corresponding changes have been brought in, especially in
the area of Audit Rating, Audit Report Formats, grouping of branches,
sampling norms and periodicity of inspection. Various user friendly
formats have been introduced for RFIA, FEMA Audit, IS Audit, Concurrent
Audit etc. The Bank has introduced Online Audit Report Processing
System (OARPS) for RFIA and Credit Audit for automated reporting and
processing.
In order to instill knowledge and to improve the quality of various
reports, the Bank is imparting training for the existing and newly
joined inspecting ofcials in the area of RFIA, IS Audit and Concurrent
Audit. Further, to improve the adherence to the systems and procedures,
the Bank has introduced Dynamic Rating System in terms of which penalty
of negative marking is awarded for false compliance submitted by the
branches. The auditee units are grouped into diferent categories and
diferent scoring models are used for each group based on the risk
assessment.
11.6 Credit Audit
Credit Audit is done to ensure that the Bank's laid down policies in
the area of credit appraisal, sanction and loan administration are
complied with and an independent review of credit risk associated with
the borrowal accounts is made. The marks awarded by the credit auditors
are normalized by the internal auditors under Credit Risk Management to
arrive overall risk rating of the branch.
The Bank conducted Credit Audit of 1229 accounts (having limits of Rs.2
crore and above, both fund based and non-fund based) with total
exposure of Rs.49,077 crore, covering the pre-sanction, post sanction
compliance and follow up aspects.
Monthly reports of performance are regularly submitted to the Audit
Committee of the Executives for information and the quarterly review
reports are being submitted to the Audit Committee of the Board.
11.7 Inter-Ofce Reconciliation
Bank has completed reconciliation of Inter Branch accounts for the
period from 01st Apr, 2015 to 30th Sep, 2015. Bank achieved 100%
reconciliation of debit and credit entries for this period, which is in
conformity with RBI stipulations.
11.8 Compliance
The Bank ensures timely compliance in submission of various statutory
and regulatory returns and also prompt replies to references received
from the Government of India / Reserve Bank of India and other
institutions viz., State Bank of India, Indian Banks Association etc.
The Compliance Ofcer monitors the Compliance function efectively on an
on-going basis to ensure that regulatory guidelines issued by RBI, GOI
& other regulatory authorities are duly captured in the Bank's policies
and laid down instructions and that they are complied with at all
levels. The Compliance Ofcer further apprises the Audit Committee of
the Board and the Group Compliance Ofcer of material breaches.
Realising paramount importance of the Compliance Function in the
Corporate Governance, steps have been initiated for re-engineering of
the compliance function and the Bank is in the process of roll out of
the same.
The Compliance Department also provides secretarial services to the
Central Public Information Ofcer, who deals with requests under the
Right to information Act, 2005.
Under the Right to Information Act 2005, the Bank has handled 749 RTI
applications till 31st March, 2016. The Deputy General Manager
(Compliance) is also designated as one of the Appellate Authorities
under the above Act and the Bank has handled 105 appeals till 31st
March, 2016.
11.9 KYC Norms & AML/ CFT Measures
The Bank has put in place a Board approved revised policy and
procedural guidelines on Know Your Customer (KYC)/ Anti Money
Laundering (AML)/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures in
line with the master policy and subsequent guidelines issued by Reserve
Bank of India. A dedicated KYC-AML Cell is functioning in the Head Ofce
to oversee the compliance of KYC/AML/CFT guidelines.
In terms of the policy, the branches are to obtain Customer
identifcation data including photograph, identity proof and address
proof, while opening the new accounts. Customer acceptance and
Customer identifcation are the most important pre-requisites in the
opening of new accounts. The customers have to submit fresh proof for
identity and address proof periodically based on their risk
categorisation viz. two years for High Risk, eight years for Medium
Risk and Ten years for Low risk customers. Verifcation and compliance
of KYC norms by the branches is periodically ensured by the Controllers
during their visits to the branches and also by the Risk Focused
Internal Auditors and Concurrent Auditors during their respective
audits.
In order to reduce the risk of identity fraud, document forgery and
have paperless KYC verifcation, UIDAI has launched its e-KYC service.
RBI guidelines permit acceptance of e-KYC service as a valid process
for KYC verifcation under Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance
of Records) Rules, 2005 and the provision for the same has been
introduced by the Bank.
The Compliance Ofcer is the nominated Principal Ofcer for the purpose
of KYC/AML/CFT of the Bank. The Principal Ofcer ensures implementation
of the policy and compliance of the various regulatory directions
including reporting requirements. However, the primary responsibility
of ensuring implementation of the KYC/ AML/CFT Policy and related
guidelines are vested with the respective Branches/BPR
units/Controllers/Zones/ Networks. Suitable checks and confrmations
with regard to KYC/AML/CFT measures are put in place at the time of
introducing new products / procedures and also at the time of review of
existing products / procedures to ensure proper risk categorization,
risk mitigation and compliance management.
Further, monitoring of transactions is also done with a view to arrest
criminal elements using the Bank forum for money laundering and
criminal/terrorist activities. The Bank has acquired appropriate
software for processing all the transactions generated by all the
branches of the Bank, on a day to day basis and to enable periodical
submission of mandatory reports to Financial Intelligence Unit-India
(FIU-IND), mandated under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
2002 viz. Monthly Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs), Non Proft
Organisation (NPOs) Transaction Reports (NTRs), Suspicious Transaction
Report (STRs), Counterfeit Currency Reports (CCRs) and Cross Border
Wire Transfer Reports.
KYC/AML Cell is also maintaining an intra web site on
Circular letters and upto date relevant information/ statistics on
KYC/AML/CFT measures for the beneft of the Branches/ Administrative
ofces for their information, attention and further action plans in the
matter.
KYC updation campaigns were conducted from 16th April,
2015 to 30th Jun, 2015 during the year in order to improve awareness
for KYC compliance and make non-compliant accounts compliant, as
directed by GOI/ RBI. The Bank has achieved a compliance level of
98.25% as on 31st March, 2016 and it is on the drive to make cent
percent compliance.
Decoy customer Exercise
As per RBI direction a decoy customer survey exercise was carried out
during the fnancial year by engaging 150 newly recruited Probationary
Ofcers to evaluate and ascertain the extent of compliance with regard
to KYC/AML norms and level of awareness among the frontline
/supervisory staf on KYC/AML guidelines/ requirements. Steps/actions
have been initiated to rectify the defciencies brought out by the study
team. For augmenting the awareness of all the operating staf to open
BSBD (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account)/ PMJDY Account, staf have
been imparted training at Staf Learning Centres.
Unique Customer Identifcation Code (UCIC)
Reserve Bank of India has directed banks to allot a unique customer
identifcation code (UCIC) for each and every customer. The Bank has
completed the process of de- duplication with regard to all the
accounts.
FIU-IND Review Meeting
FIU-IND had convened a Review meeting of Five Kerala based Banks at
Thrissur on 04th Jan, 2016 under PMLA and other AML/CFT related issues.
The Chief General Manager (CB) representing as the Designated Director
and the Principal Ofcer participated in the meeting and discussions
that followed on key aspects of suspicious transactions reports (STRs)
to be generated by Banks.
KYC/AML/CFT - Co-ordination Meeting of Principal Ofcers of Associate
Banks
A Meeting of Principal ofcers of Associate Banks/SBI was coordinated
and hosted by the Bank on 21st March, 2016 at Global Information
Technology Centre (GITC), Mumbai. Various parameters of KYC/AML/CFT
issues and concerns for Automatic Risk Categorisation of Customers and
AMLOCK version were addressed and decision for delivery of upgraded
technology platforms developed and introduced by SBI, to Associate
Banks was made.
Training on KYC/AML is being imparted on an ongoing basis in the Bank.
Staf awareness programmes are conducted regularly through seminars at
Zonal/ Regional Ofce levels, Learning Centers and during branch visits.
11.10 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
The Ministry of Corporate Afairs (MCA) vide press release dated Jan 18,
2016 has issued guideline by outlining the roadmap for implementation
of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) converging Indian
Accounting Standards for Banks, NBFCs, select All India Term Lending
and Refnancing Institutions and Insurance entities.
Reserve Bank of India vide their circular no DBR.BP.BC.
No.76/21.07.001/2015-16 dated Feb 11, 2016 has also advised guidelines
regarding the same. As per the circular, the Banks shall comply with
the Indian Accounting Standards (IND AS) for fnancial statements for
accounting periods beginning from Apr 1, 2018 onwards, with
comparatives for the periods ending March 31, 2018 or thereafter.
"Comparatives" shall mean comparative fgures for the preceding
accounting period. Banks shall apply IND AS only as per the above
timelines and shall not be permitted to adopt IND AS earlier. The Bank
has constituted a Steering Committee to facilitate smooth
implementation of IND AS. The Reserve Bank of India will issue
necessary instructions / guidelines/ clarifcation on relevant aspects
as and when required.
12. Security arrangements
During the year, no loss of cash due to security breaches in the Bank
was reported. Based on the assessment of Risk, Security Guards have
been posted at Banks' vulnerable Branches in addition to 119 currency
chest branches.
All Bank branches are provided with essential safeguards like CCTV
systems, fre alarm systems and burglar alarm systems. The Controllers,
Chief Security Ofcer, Security Ofcers attached to Zones and Fire Ofcers
attached to Head Ofce are constantly visiting branches and monitoring
security measures provided at branches. Immediate remedial measures
are taken wherever necessary. The Bank has 25 cash vans for remittance
of cash at various centres.
13. Vigilance Machinery and Frauds Monitoring
13.1 Frauds Monitoring
During the current year 2015-16, 21 fraud cases involving
an amount of Rs.138.89 crore, has been reported as against 38 cases
involving an amount of Rs.236.26 crore as on previous year. This include
one large value fraud reported by a single branch involving an amount
of Rs.133.61 crore. Recovery of Rs.1.70 crore has been made in various
fraud accounts during the year.
8 fraud cases involving staf were reported during the year.
Disciplinary action has been initiated against the staf members
involved in the cases.
13.2 Vigilance Machinery
During the year 2015-16 the vigilance administration within the Bank
was generally positive. It is the endeavour of the department to
develop a culture in the organization wherein the fact that 'Vigilance
is a management function' is well imbibed in the ethos. At every forum,
it is reiterated that vigilance is a positive function and leads to
enhancement in managerial efciency and contributes to improvement in
service delivery. The Management and the employees have responded well
and there is remarkable improvement seen in efective implementation of
overall monitoring and preventive tools.
13.3 Preventive Vigilance measures
a. A sense of positive approach towards compliances from vigilance
angle among all the functionaries including adherence to systems and
procedures has been inculcated.
b. As a part of educative vigilance, Vigilance Department ofcials
handled sessions on Preventive Vigilance at Bank's training programmes,
including programmes for newly recruited employees, highlighting the
importance of the need to demonstrate probity in public life and
adherence of systems and procedures.
c. A CVO's corner has been introduced for dissemination of information
and exchange of views with the employees.
d. Surprise inspections were conducted at selected branches and
compliance from vigilance angle was ensured through feedback and
monitoring. 237 such surprise inspections were conducted during this
year.
e. 40 Vigilance Investigations were conducted to fnd out the facts,
and submitted to the appropriate authorities to initiate corrective
measures.
f. Issues of preventive vigilance are discussed in the Management
Committee meetings in which all the Top Management functionaries are
present. The issues taken up are discussed; solutions/ corrective
action identifed and timelines for action points are decided.
g. Systems are constantly evaluated and whenever felt necessary
corrective action is suggested.
h. The vigilance initiatives are also discussed with the Managing
Director of the Bank and his intervention, whenever required, is sought
to ensure that corrective measures are put in place.
13.4 Vigilance Newsletter "NAVA CHETANA"
The News letter of the Vigilance Department was launched in July 2012
to ensure a dialogue between Vigilance Department and the rest of the
Bank. The News letter carries the message of MD and CVO, various
articles of vigilance, irregularities observed in branches with events
of vigilance, etc. In Nov 2015, the news letter has been rechristened
'Nava Chetana' keeping into mind the renewed focus on Preventive
Vigilance.
13.5 Rotation of Ofcers in Sensitive positions
In order to mitigate the risk of developing vested interest, ofcers
continuing in the same position and ofcials who are holding sensitive
positions are shifted once in 3 years. The CVO is monitoring this and
the issue is discussed with MD during the Quarterly Structured meeting.
13.6 Training Programmes Conducted By Vigilance Department
The Vigilance Department has conducted the following training
programmes to the ofcers of the Bank on vigilance matters.
- A 3 day training programme for Investigating ofcers, Presenting
ofcers and Inquiry authorities was organised from 05/10/2015 to
07/10/2015. Shri Radhakrishnan.R, General Manager (Retired), RBI, Ex.
CVO of Bank of India and State Bank of India, conducted the programme,
which was attended by the ofcers connected to Disciplinary proceedings,
throughout the Bank.
- A half day workshop was handled by Shri J.K. Srivastava, Advisor,
Central Vigilance Commission on 17th Oct, 2015, which was attended by
Investigating Ofcials, Inquiry Ofcials and Disciplinary Authorities of
the Bank.
13.7 Conference of CVOs
In order to provide a forum for freely exchanging vigilance related
information and sharing of knowledge, the CVOs of South-based Public
Sector Banks meet every quarter at diferent locations. This forum has
been helping CVOs of South-based Public Sector Banks to understand the
nuances of vigilance through discussions and experience sharing. Two
conferences were held during the year at Chennai and Hyderabad on
27/05/2015 and 11/12/2015 respectively.
13.8 Preventive Vigilance Committees at branch level
As part of monitoring preventive vigilance activities, Preventive
Vigilance Committee has been set up in all branches and administrative
ofces. This helps the Branch Manager to discuss collectively the
vigilance matters concerning the branch and work in a co-ordinated
manner.
13.9 Vigilance Awareness Week - 2015
- The Vigilance Awareness Week - 2015 was observed during Oct 26 - 31,
2015 with pledge administered at Head Ofce/Other ofces/Branches. This
year's theme for Vigilance Awareness Week was 'Preventive Vigilance as
a tool of Good Governance'. Essay competitions, quiz competitions,
elocution competitions were conducted at Zonal Ofces to school and
college students.
- A lecture was given by the RBI Regional Director, Shri Nirmal Chand,
at the Bank's Staf Learning Centre on 'Preventive Vigilance and its
role in Corporate Governance.'
- The CVO was invited by HUDCO,
Thiruvananthapuram for delivering a lecture on "Preventive Vigilance as
a tool of good governance" as part of the Vigilance Awareness Week -
2015.
- Shri Raju Narayanaswamy I.A.S, Secretary to the Government of Kerala
was the guest of honour for the valedictory function of the Vigilance
Awareness Week - 2015, on 31st Oct 2015.
13.10 Interactive Session on Preventive Vigilance
An Interactive Session on Preventive Vigilance by Ms. Anna Roy, Joint
Secretary, Ministry of Finance, with executives of diferent Banks and
Financial Institutions, who have presence in Kerala, was organised by
State Bank of Travancore on 05th Dec, 2015. Executives representing 24
Public Sector Banks and Insurance Companies participated in the session
and the event was well received.
13.11 Liaison with CBI ofcials
CVO and the Vigilance Department maintain close relationship with CBI
ofcials. The progress of cases being pursued by CBI is monitored by
CVO.
13.12 Liaison with Other Functionaries of the Bank
Perfect co-ordination and harmony exists between the Disciplinary
Authority and the Vigilance Department/ CVO in dealing with
disciplinary cases. The Managing Director is being appraised of the
development informally on many occasions and formally once in a quarter
in a structured meeting.
13.13 Apprising the Board
The Vigilance Department apprises the Board of Directors every quarter
on the status of disposal of vigilance cases and also the preventive
vigilance measures being followed in the bank.
14. Human Resources Development & Industrial Relations
14.1 Human Resource
- As on 31st March, 2016, the Bank had on its rolls 14892 members of
staf, comprising 5443 ofcers, 7059 clerical and cash department staf,
1799 subordinate staf and 591 maintenance staf. The number of women
employees and ex-service personnel constituted 6284 and 1951
respectively of the total work force. Out of the women employees, 1870
are ofcers, 3667 non-subordinate staf and 747 subordinate staf. The
Bank has also on its rolls 269 employees who are diferently abled.
- During the year, 52 employees were promoted from Subordinate Cadre to
Clerical Cadre, 179 employees from Clerical Cadre to the Ofcers Cadre
and 434 promotions took place within Ofcers Cadre.
- The average age of the employees (excluding TEGS) is 41.32 as on 31st
March, 2016 as against 43.28 as on 31st March, 2015.
- During the year, 2034 staf were recruited (751 in the ofcers cadre,
1190 in non-subordinate and 93 in the subordinate cadre):
Number of Staf recruited - 2015-16
CADRE Total
Ofcers 751
Clerical 1190
Sub-staf (Including
Maintenance Staf ) 93
Total 2034
Staf Of Which,
Strength Total Ex-
as on 31st SC ST Ser. Women PWD
March, 2016
Ofcers 5443 740 246 180 1870 98
Clerical 7059 893 189 840 3667 162
Subordinate
(E l MS) 1799 344 55 931 310 7
Maintenance
Staf 591 154 14 - 437 2
StaFF 14892 2131 504 1951 6284 269
14.2 Staf Productivity
Business per employee stood at Rs.11.50 crore as at the end of March,
2016 as against Rs.12.28 crore as on March, 2015.
Net Proft per employee is Rs.2.36 lacs as on March, 2016 compared to
Rs.2.55 lacs for the year ended March, 2015.
14.3 SBT Anthem, Oath and Flag:
To strengthen a sense of 'ownership' among the employees, the Bank has
begun a process of 'Rediscovering the soul of SBT'. 'Proud to be an
SBTian' is the theme of this process with Bank's Anthem, Oath and Flag
being the external symbols of Bank's 'pride' of ownership.
14.4 SBT History Project and Museum:
The story of State Bank of Travancore, born under royal patronage, and
metamorphic transformation to its present state, is worthy of being
scripted and preserved. The Bank has celebrated 70th year of its
foundation. As an initiative the Bank has taken up a project of
chronicling the history of the Bank and is setting up a 'Museum'.
The Museum is being inaugurated on 23.04.2016. It is a well-known fact
that the Bank's history is closely interwoven with the fnancial history
of Kerala. A History book charting the journey of the Bank so far is
also on the anvil.
14.5 Training
- Training programmes are conducted at Bank's three learning centres
located at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam with the objective of
updating knowledge, improving skills and reorienting the attitude of
staf members. This is done on an ongoing basis with particular
reference to areas of corporate goals/concern areas.
- Besides functional programmes like general
banking, credit etc., programmes on leadership, behavioral science
etc., are also being conducted. Expert faculty from outside the Bank
are also invited whenever needed.
- During the year under review 537 Training programmes were conducted
by the Learning Centres imparting training to 6655 Ofcers, 6619
Non-subordinate staf and 1180 Subordinate staf. In addition to above
'Aarohan' training programme was conducted all over the Bank covering
8860 employees of the Bank. Aarohan is a corporate message to all
employees of the Bank in the form of a mass communication programme.
- In addition to in-house training programmes 918 ofcers were deputed
to the Apex Training Institutes of State Bank of India, RBI and other
outside Institutes for training. For conducting trainings at outside
Kerala centres, facilities of SBI and other Associates are also being
used.
- Retiring ofcers and employees are given special training covering
matters like investment guidance, post-retirement life etc. During the
year Bank has given such training to 513 staf members.
- In order to improve training capacity Bank has decided to set up one
more learning centre. The third centre is planned to be set up in Tamil
Nadu.
Pre-Promotion Training to SC/ST/OBC
Pre Promotion training and Mock Interviews were conducted for employees
belonging to SC/ST/OBC category, appearing for promotion from
Subordinate to Non-subordinate cadre and Non-subordinate cadre to Ofcer
Cadre.
Foreign Training
Two ofcers attended the 10th FEDAI Annual Conference at Brussels,
Belgium. One ofcer attended a training programme arranged by SBI Mutual
Fund in London.
14.6 Reward & Recognition
The Bank has formulated a scheme to recognize and motivate high
achievers among the branches by awarding the honour of MD's Club, CGM's
Club and GM's Club membership. Twenty one branches became eligible for
the honour this year. The Bank has also formulated a scheme to
recognize the best performers among the controllers. Three controllers
were selected and honoured.
14.7 Performance Linked Incentive Scheme
The Bank has introduced a scheme of payment of Performance Linked
Incentive to the staf members. Accordingly, Branch Managers,
Controllers and Unit Heads up to the level of General Managers and
their team members would be paid incentives based on their performance
under the pre-determined parameters.
14.8 Human Resources Management Solutions (HRMS)
The Bank has rolled out Project HRMS from 01st Apr, 2012, with a view
to automate, integrate and centralize HR processes of the Bank.
HRMS has become a single and central source of information for efcient
HR Management. This has also contributed to employee satisfaction
through transparent and time bound monetary transactions relating to
emoluments and perks payment as well as other services through uniform
interpretation of the Bank's instructions.
Bank derives the following benefts out of automation of HR viz.,
consolidated and detailed data available immediately for informed
decision making, saving of man hours which can be utilized for other
areas like marketing, recovery etc., besides resulting in cost savings
to the Bank through reduction of paperwork and telephone/fax charges.
At present, the services through HRMS Portal for employees include
centralised salary payment, centralised payment of all kind of employee
reimbursement, Sanction of annual and stagnation increments to
employees of the rank AGMs and below, Online submission, Reporting and
Review of Annual Appraisal Reports of ofcers, Online submission of
Declaration of Assets and Liabilities by all employees of the Bank as
per the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013, Investment Declaration for
Income Tax calculation, Centralized Form 16 generation, updation of
Blood Group of employees, updation of personal & family details, link
to State Bank Training Management System - for Training at SBI Apex
Training Institutes & State Bank Learning Centres, HRMS Service Desk
etc.
14.9 Staf - SC/ST Cell Reservation Rules- Implementation in the Bank
Reservation policy has been implemented in the Bank for Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes from the year 1972, in direct recruitment
and from the year 1978, in promotion.
Reservation at 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs is provided
in direct recruitment for Ofcers cadre.
In direct recruitment to Clerical and Subordinate staf cadres,
percentages of reservation as applicable in each State are provided for
SCs and STs as per the DOPT guidelines.
The staf data as on 31st March, 2016
Category Total SC % ST %
Ofcers 5443 740 13.6 246 4.52
Clerical 7059 893 12.65 189 2.68
Sub-staf 1799 344 19.12 55 3.06
Mainte-
nance Staf 591 154 26.06 14 2.37
Total 14892 2131 14.31 504 3.38
Post based roster which shows a clear picture of implementation of
reservation rules is maintained in the Bank, in accordance with the
Government of India guidelines. Such rosters are being verifed by the
Chief Liaison Ofcer for SCs and STs annually. Roster for the year
ending 31st Dec, 2014 has been uploaded in Banks' site.
Whenever backlog of reserved vacancies for SCs and STs occur, such
vacancies are flled through special recruitment. Last such special
recruitment was conducted during 2015-2016 wherein 31 SC candidates and
105 ST candidates were recruited in the Ofcers cadre. As at the end of
March 2016, the position of backlog is as follows.
(a) Backlog under Direct Recruitment to:
Sl
No Cadre SC ST OBC
1 Ofcer 0 18 0
2 Clerical 0 0 0
3 Sub-Staf 0 2 0
4 Maintenance Staf 0 0 0
The above backlog vacancies were included in current year recruitment
process.
(b) Backlog under Promotion from:
Sl. Category
Cadre
No SC ST
1 Clerical to
Ofcer cadre 34 55
2 Subordinate to
Clerical cadre 0 0
Backlog of SC/ ST vacancies under promotion from clerical cadre to
Ofcer cadre is due to non-availability of candidates in feeder cadre.
The following concessions / relaxations are made available to employees
in the SC/ST Category
i. Relaxation up to 5% of the required qualifying marks both in written
test and interview is allowed in direct recruitment to subordinate and
clerical cadre.
ii. Relaxation up to 5% of the required qualifying marks both in
written test and interview is allowed in promotion from clerical cadre
to Junior Management Grade Scale- I under Group -A and Group - B
channels.
iii. Relaxation of 5 years in upper age limit is allowed to candidates
belonging to SCs and STs in recruitment to subordinate, clerical and
ofcer cadres.
iv. Relaxation 5 years in upper age limit is allowed to candidates
belonging to SCs and STs in promotion from Clerical cadre to Ofcer
Cadre under Group-A, Group-B & Group-D channels.
Pre-promotion training and Mock Interview to SC/ST/ OBC employees were
conducted for promotion from Subordinate to Non-Subordinate and
Clerical Cadre to Ofcers Cadre under Group A, B and D channels at
Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam learning centres.
In recruitment, the total number of vacancies and number of vacancies
available for SC and ST are advertised extensively in newspapers.
The Bank has designated an Ofcer of General Manager rank as Chief
Liaison Ofcer for SC/ST. The Bank also has a separate Reservation Cell
(SC/ST) headed by a Manager at Head Ofce and assisted by Liaison Ofcers
at the 8 Zonal Ofces and 2 Regional Ofces (Mumbai and New Delhi) to
safeguard the interests of SC/ST employees. The Cell at Head Ofce
arranges periodic meetings of the representatives of the SBT SC & ST
Staf Welfare Association with the Top Management to listen to and
redress the grievances.
The Bank has already provided a well-furnished ofce with telephone and
computer to the SBT SC & ST Staf Welfare Association. Check- of
facility for payment of subscription by the members to the Association
also has been provided.
The Cell is conducting meetings of Liaison ofcers of all the Zones/
Regional Ofces at quarterly intervals. Such meetings are presided over
by the Chief Liaison Ofcer to discuss issues/redress the issues, if
any, pertaining to respective areas.
The General Manager (HR) also invariably participates in the meeting.
The action points which emerge in such meetings are meticulously
followed up.
The other tasks undertaken by the Cell are:
- Ensuring compliance, by the Bank, with orders and instructions
pertaining to the reservation in favour of SCs/STs in the matter of
recruitment/promotions and other service benefts such as relaxations/
concessions admissible to them.
- Ensuring the placing of an Annual Review Report on the progress of
implementation of reservation policy for SC/ ST before the Board of
Directors.
- Ensuring that the Bank takes appropriate steps to provide all help
and co-operation to the National Commission for SCs and National
Commission for STs.
- Ensuring that Government of India's directions are followed in
respect of DPCs/ Selection Committees pertaining to SC/ST/MC members.
- Ensuring proper implementation of the Reservation Policy by
conducting annual inspection of the rosters maintained in the
organization.
- Acting as Liaison Ofce between Bank and the Ministry of Finance,
Government of India and National Commission for SCs, STs, OBCs and
Minority Communities for supply of information, answering questions and
clearing doubts in regard to matters covered by the reservation orders.
- Cases of suspicious caste certifcate are referred to a three member
Scrutiny Committee constituted by the respective State Governments and
followed up closely. In verifed cases, as recommended by the Scrutiny
Committee, actions are taken.
14.10 Activities of Minority Communities [MC]/ Other Backward
Communities [OBC]/Persons with Disability [PWD] /Ex-Servicemen [EX-Ser]
Cell
The Bank has designated an Ofcer of General Manager rank as Chief
Liaison Ofcer for OBC Cell and PWD/Ex- Servicemen Cell.
The Bank has also designated an Ofcer of General Manager rank as Chief
Liaison Ofcer for Minority Community. MC/OBC/PWD & Ex-Ser Cell assisted
by Liaison Ofcers at Head Ofce, eight Zonal ofces and two Regional
Ofces are functioning to protect the interests of the employees
belonging to the respective sections. The Cell at Head Ofce arranges
periodic meetings of the Liaison Ofcers of OBC employees at quarterly
intervals. Such meetings are presided over by the Chief Liaison Ofcer
to discuss issues/redress the issues, if any, pertaining to respective
areas.
The General Manager (HR) also invariably participates in the meeting.
The action points which emerge in such meetings are meticulously
followed up to cases of negligence, lapses of grievances in the matter
of following the reservation and other orders relating to OBC employees
coming to the light through the inspection carried out by the liaison
Ofcer or otherwise, should be reported to the Reservation Cell for
further follow-up or settlement of the issues.
The Cell ensures:
- Compliance by the Bank with orders and instructions pertaining to the
reservation of vacancies in favour of Ex- Servicemen and Persons with
Disabilities in the matter of recruitment/ promotions and other service
benefts.
- Compliance by the Bank with orders and instructions pertaining to the
reservation of vacancies in favour of Minority Community and Other
Backward Communities in the matter of recruitment and other service
benefts.
- The Bank takes appropriate steps to provide all help and co-operation
to the Backward Classes Development Corporation.
Responsibilities of Liaison Ofcers (OBC)
Liaison Ofcers at each Zone/Regions should convene quarterly meetings
headed by the Deputy General Manager of their respective zones to
discuss the complaints/grievances and its minutes should be sent to the
Reservation Cell.
14.11 Industrial Relations
- The time tested mechanism of bilateral negotiations at various levels
of the organisation with the Employees' Union and the Ofcers'
Association through periodical structured meetings and redressal of the
issues ensured harmonious and cordial industrial relations in the Bank
throughout the year.
- Bank attended the bipartite meeting held on 20/03/2016 at Gurgaon
with Associate Bank Ofcers' Association (ABOA) along with SBI.
- One Staf Welfare Committee and Five Sub- committee meetings were held
during the year.
- Four strikes were conducted by Employees Unions' /
Ofcers' Association as detailed below:
1. On 04/06/2015, strike by SSBEA on industry level,
2. On 12/06/2015, fash strike by AIBOC on state level,
3. On 02/09/2015, strike by various workmen unions on industry level
and
4. On 08/01/2016, strike by SSBEA in all associates of SBI.
- In the online Employee Grievance Redressal System 39 complaints were
received and disposed of in time.
- Details of complaints received on sexual harassment against women at
work place as on 31/03/2016:
Received Disposed Pending as on 31st March, 2016
Nil Nil Nil
During FY 2015-16, the following activities under various Staf Welfare
Schemes were undertaken:
- Under the Scheme for reimbursement of expenses of annual health check
up for retired staf/spouse of the deceased retirees (Rs.1,500/- for
retired staf and Rs.2,000/- for spouse of the deceased retirees per
fnancial year) an amount of Rs.66.61 lacs was paid.
- Under the scheme for reimbursement of expenses of health check up of
spouse of staf members (i.e., Rs.1,000/- per fnancial year), Rs.30.32 lacs
was paid against 3,032 applications.
- Super Suraksha Insurance Scheme for employees was renewed with the
life cover of Rs.5.00 lacs per employee. 32 claims were settled under
this scheme.
- At present 21 holiday homes are functioning at 20 centers.
- As per the 10th Bipartite settlement/joint note dated 25th May, 2015,
a new medical insurance scheme has come into force in Bank from 01st
Oct, 2015 in lieu of existing hospitalization scheme. The scheme has
been designed and fnalized by IBA with United India Insurance Company.
M/s K M Dastur Reinsurance Brokers Pvt Ltd is the intermediary.
Subsequently with efect from 01st Nov, 2015, a similar scheme also has
been introduced for the Retirees of the Bank. The scheme is being
monitored by IR Department and the Chief Manager (IR) is the Nodal
ofcer of the Bank for repudiation of claims.
- Scholarships and tuition fees for wards of staf members amounting to
Rs.78.30 lacs were disbursed.
- Under the outpatient scheme reimbursement amounting to Rs.42.82 lacs
was made.
- 21 applications were considered for payment amounting to Rs.1 lac under
the scheme of fnancial assistance for expenses incurred by Staf Members
for the diferently abled dependent wards.
- 22 claims amounting to Rs.26.91 lacs were paid under the scheme of part
payment of outstanding in loan accounts at the time of death of an
employee.
- 152 claims were paid under the funeral expenses scheme.
- An amount of Rs.7.89 lacs was disbursed as fnancial assistance to pre
retirees and spouse during the year.
- A quarterly journal "Vishranthi" has been published exclusively for
the Retirees during the year.
15. Legal Services
The Bank has a well-established Law Department with law ofcers placed
at Head Ofce, Zonal / Regional Ofces and also at various Centers. The
Department performs diverse functions such as giving advice on legal
issues, preparation of general and case specifc documents, vetting and
scrutiny of loan documents etc.
The Department plays an important role in the matter of recovery.
Filing of Suits and DRT applications for recovery of dues are arranged
and followed up by the Law Ofcers. They also assist the branches and
other operational functionaries in enforcement of security under the
SARFAESI Act, 2002 and also in defending the cases fled against the
Bank before DRTs/DRATs/High Courts in this regard. Various Cases,
petitions and claims against the Bank fled in various High Courts,
Tribunals, Civil Courts, Consumer Forum, Ombudsman, Labour Courts,
Human Rights Commission and other authorities are defended under the
advice and guidance of the Law Department.
The Department assists the concerned functionaries of the Bank in
implementing the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. In
coordination with the respective departments, Law department arrange
for placing of the regulations framed by the Bank under Section 63 of
the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959 before Parliament
after the same published in the Gazette.
The Law Department is also involved in the training of the staf on
topics involving law and practice of banking. The Law Ofcers handle
varied legal matters and provide legal advice and suggestions to the
business units and developmental/ operational functionaries and take
steps to legally protect the bank and safeguard its interest in all
respects.
In addition to the above, Law Department is maintaining 'Law Portal'
for the internal use of the Bank. Law Portal is very informative and
user friendly and helps the functionaries in accessing the panel of
advocates, formats for documentation / SARFAESI, acts, rules,
instructions, notifcations, case laws etc. which are relevant for
bankers.
16. Public Relations and Publicity
Public Relations Department shoulders the responsibility of
disseminating various information projecting Bank's image among public
and Government Departments. The Department maintained close rapport
with the Government Departments, Media, Commercial and Social
Organizations and the general public. Extensive coverage was given
through the newspapers, TV channels, FM radio, Online publications and
hoardings.
During the year, the Bank was one of the main sponsors of International
Film Festival of Kerala, GV Raja All India Football Tournament, MSME
Summit, Kerala Literature Festival, Kerala State Film Award Night,
Kerala State School Youth Festival, All India College Games and All
India Police Athletic Meet.
Many programmes conducted by Mathrubhumi, Malayala Manorama,
Deshabhimani, Madhyamam, DC Books, Asianet channel, Kairali channel etc
were supported by us. Maximum publicity was derived through organising
the live music concert of violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam and Dr.
Kavitha Krishnamoorthy at Thiruvananthapuram.
The Literary Camps organised with the support of Kerala Sahithya
Academy at Munroethuruthu, Kollam and Thrissur were also well received.
The Bank was also associated with the programmes conducted by Mahatma
Gandhi University, CMS College, Kottayam, Indian Medical Association,
Kerala IT Mission, ISKON, Trivandrum Management Association, Lions Club
and AKG Centre for Development Studies.
Publicity through hoardings gave good visibility for the various
products and services of the Bank. The Bank has at present 101
hoardings all over Kerala. Apart from the hoardings, the Bank has
displayed advertisements through sign boards on the Sabarimala route
and Kodimatha town, Glow Sign Boards at Chennai Central
Railway Station, Roto Sign Boards at Palakkad railway station etc.
Bank's advertisements are at display in the baggage area of
Thirvananthapuram airport Domestic Terminal and on the exterior of
Parasuram Express and Ernad Express trains.
Bank have also branded the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station
and ticket counters with a huge hoarding, two arches, ffty unipoles,
fve glow sign boards and announcement system (jingles), with Bank's
logo and advertisements. This has been a highly successful image
projection step for the Bank. The Bank has name boards with
advertisements in ten major railway stations of Kerala. The Bank as a
responsible Corporate Citizen has also sponsored 50 trafc awareness
boards in Thiruvananthapuram city and 25 boards in the High Range area
in collaboration with Kerala Police.
The Bank's Calendar for 2016 with the theme "Palaces of India" and
Diary with cover photo of founder, His Highness Sree Chitra Thirunal
Maharaja announcing the formation of Bank were well received by the
public.
The Bank has also produced its corporate flm titled "Sands of Time"
this year, which was formally released at the inaugural function of
Bank's 70th Foundation day Celebrations held at Thiruvananthapuram.
During the year house magazine "Maithri" was published twice, one as
"Sapthatharangini Special" with a comprehensive history of Bank and
contributions received from eminent SBTians of yesteryears, which was
appreciated by one and all.
As done every year pilgrim service centres were opened at Pampa and
Sabarimala Sannidhanam to cater to the banking requirements of the
pilgrims. Bank has also sponsored the 'Sabarimala Virtual Queue Portal'
of Kerala Police.
17. Progressive use of Hindi
The Bank complied with the provisions relating to the Ofcial Languages
Act, rules, instructions and directives of Government of India and
Reserve Bank of India. As per the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of
India, the Bank has introduced SBT Rajabhasha Shield for Zonal /
Regional Ofces situated at linguistic regions A, B and C. SBT Rajbhasha
Shields were awarded to the Regional Ofce Mumbai under linguistic
regions A & B category and Zonal Ofce Ernakulam, Kottayam and Kozhikode
under linguistic regions C category.
Hindi workshops and Hindi programmes were conducted for the beneft of
staf members, to increase their knowledge of functional Hindi and
attending to correspondence in Hindi. All the letters received in Hindi
were essentially replied to in Hindi.
17.1 Awards won:
- The Bank participated in the State Level Ofcial Language Exhibition
instituted by Kerala Hindi Prachar Sabha and won the Shield for
implementation of Ofcial Language Policy.
- Bank secured First Prize instituted by the Town Ofcial Language
Implementation Committee, Thiruvananthapuram for the implementation of
Ofcial Language Policy among Public Sector Banks situated in
Thiruvananthapuram.
- Zonal Ofce, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram secured
shields from their respective Town Ofcial Language Implementation
Committees for the implementation of Ofcial Language Policy.
17.2 Magazine and Publication:
Annual publication 'Swathi', the Bank's Hindi Magazine 'Rajabhasha
Sahayika' and "Phrases of ofcial noting" were also published. The
Ofcial Language Department published News letter in Hindi during the
year.
Programmes and Awards sponsored:
During the year, various competitions were held for school level
students in Hindi. Hindi Fortnight / Hindi Day were also celebrated at
Head Ofce, Zonal Ofces and Regional Ofces.
Each year Bank sponsors "SBT Hindi Sahitya Puraskar" organized by the
Kerala Hindi Sahitya Academy. This year the award has honored the noted
Hindi Writers Dr. Jayakrishnan.J and Smt V. Anandavalli of Kerala.
18. Branch Network
The Bank opened 23 new branches during the year. As at the end of 31st
March, 2016 the Bank has 1177 branches and 12 extension counters and is
now represented in 16 States and 3 Union Territories. 3 Mid Corporate
branches were merged with commercial branches in the same Centre. 21
Gold point branches were converted into normal business branches.
The number of branches in Kerala increased from 838 as on 31st March,
2015 to 852 as at the end of 31st March, 2016.
The Bank has 46 Specialised Personal Segment branches,
12 NRI branches, 2 Housing Finance branches, 5 Treasury branches, 6
Service branches, 1 DBT branch, 15 Commercial network branches (CNW ),
9 Specialised Krishi Point branches (Agricultural Development
Branches), 10 Specialized SME branches, 2 Asset Recovery Management
Branches, 1 Micro Credit branch, 1 Specialized branch for women
entrepreneur, 2 Shradha Kendras, 1 e-Business Hub, 1 SSBGT and 1
International Service Branch.
The Bank has a representative ofce at Dubai and manages two Exchange
Companies in Dubai and Oman.
Under the BPR initiatives, Bank has 10 RASMECCCs, 1 CPPC, 7 SARC, 2
TFCPCs, 1 LCPC and 24 CACs. The Bank is having 2 Exchange Bureaus, one
each at Cochin and Kozhikode International Airports in addition to the
above branches/ ofces.
19. Premises
Premises Department undertakes the development and maintenance of fxed
assets and framing of policies on acquisition of premises. Some of the
major activities undertaken during the year are as follows:
- Construction of compound wall and other site development works has
been completed in the 3 acres of land taken on long term lease (90
years) by the Bank for 'IT HUB' at Techno Park, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Renovation works were undertaken at the Staf Learning Centre at
Chittoor Road, Ernakulam and capacity was also increased by taking
additional space on rent.
- Renovation works undertaken for the second & third foor at Head Ofce,
Canteen cum Kitchen block at Staf Learning Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
and Bank's own building at Chinnakada, Kollam
- Renovation works undertaken on the acquired land at Kowdiar, for
setting up Bank's History Museum.
- Renovated the third, fourth and ffth foor of the rented premises at
Aikkara building at Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. Mid Corporate Branch,
Thiruvananthapuram, New Business Department and part of Information
Technology Department are placed in this premises.
- As a green initiative a solar power plant was installed at Staf
Learning Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The painting works of Head ofce
complex was also undertaken during the year.
19.1 On-going projects
- The construction of Branch building with Currency Chest at its own
premises at ldukki and Adoor had been initiated.
- Bank proposes to construct fats in Banks own land in Sector 18,
Rohini, New Delhi.
20. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Bank, under Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives has conducted a
wide range of social activities both in rural and urban areas to serve
the community at large. During FY 2016-15 an amount of Rs.2.72 crore was
spent for CSR activities. The major CSR initiatives undertaken by the
Bank during the year are as under:
- Vehicle for cancer control and patient support activities to Regional
Cancer Care Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Cut models in automobile trades for imparting skill training to the
persons with disabilities to Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for
Handicapped, Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Equipments to start paper bag, paper cup and paper plate
manufacturing unit to Rotary Institute for Children in Need of Special
Care, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Establishment of Labour Room at the Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission
Hospital Attappady, Palakkad.
- Resource for Cardiac Transplant Programme to Sree Chitra Thirunal
Institute for Medical Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Expenses of four Rural Self Employment Training Institutes paid to
State Bank of Travancore Rural Development Trust.
- Modernising classrooms, revamping the school ground of Government L P
School, Peyad which has a legacy of 150 years of existence.
- Hemodialysis Unit to Snehasparsham Kidney Patients Welfare Society,
Eranhipalam, Kozhikode.
- Assistance to start IT related Women Empowerment Programme by
S.M.S.S. Hindu Mahila Mandiram, Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Modernisation and Digitalization of the prison library of Central
Prison, Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Construction of kitchen and providing basic amenities to Government
U.P School, Vilappilssala, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Ambulances to Access Healthcare LLC. Sanstha, Jaipur; Rajeshwary
Foundation, Jagathy; Sevana Nilayam, Kottayam; Pain & Palliative Care,
Koyilandy; Sree Ramakrishna Asrama Charitable Hospital, Sasthamangalam,
Thiruvananthapuram; Welfare Drivers' Association, Pangode,
Thiruvananthapuam; Gandhipuram International Trust, Pathanapuram and
Government Old Age Home, Kasargode.
- Vehicle to Special School for Mentally Retarded Children, managed by
Mahatma Gandhi Seva Sangam, Vasudevanallur, Tirunelveli and Battery
operated vehicle to remove waste from doorsteps to Shencottah
Municipality.
Social Circles
Social Circles are voluntary organizations formed by our staf members
working in branches and administrative ofces for undertaking social
service activities. They address themselves to the requirements of
their area of operation and extend assistance, which are outside the
purview of banking services. Voluntary participation by the staf
members and independent assessment of the requirements of the society
under the guidance of the parent institution are unique concepts in the
functioning of the Social Circles. They are excellent public relation
tools to derive acceptance in the society. The Bank is having 980
Social Circles functioning at various branches and administrative
ofces, spread all over India.
Major Social Circle activities done:
- Social Circles conducted programmes of Health Care activities like
Blood Donation Camps and Cancer detection camps, provided equipments,
cots, water purifer, washing machines, wheel chairs and medicines to
hospitals and primary health centres, in addition to providing bed
sheets and food packets to patients.
- Extended fnancial support to pain & palliative clinics to improve
home care treatment provided to terminally ill & bed ridden patients,
for taking care of HIV afected children, for rehabilitative measures
for mental patients.
- Distributed Scholarship to HIV infected students, Donated Multimedia
projector to Autism Special School, Provided equipments to Regional
Ophthalmic Centre and organized Seminar on Bio
farming.
- This year on 13th Nov, 2015 Social Circle day was observed by most of
the Social Circles as Senior Citizens' day. Many welfare activities for
the beneft of older citizens were organized on the day.
- Donated one day's privilege leave by employees for the beneft of
Chennai Flood victims. Also supported the relief measures of Social
Circles of Chennai Region by collecting resources from the staf
members.
21. SPORTS AND GAMES Cricket 'A' Team
- Bank's Cricket 'A' team has participated in various All India/All
Kerala tournaments. Out of the 6 tournaments played, the team won in 3
and became runner up in 2. The Team also won the 2 matches it played in
the mandatory District League matches.
- As recognition of the performance of the team, 2 players are selected
by the Kerala State team to represent the State Senior Team in the
Ranji Trophy and 1 player each to represent State U-25 and U-23 Kerala
State Teams.
Cricket 'B' Team
- Bank's Cricket 'B' team has participated in the League matches
organized by Thiruvananthapuram District Association. Out of the 12
matches played, it has won 8 matches.
Football Team
- Bank's Senior Football team participated in 5 tournaments. Out of
which, won in 2 and lost in 2 in Semi fnal and 1 in Quarter Final.
- Bank's 9 players participated in the Santhosh Trophy representing the
Kerala State Team during the period.
Junior Football team
- Bank's Junior Football team consisting of school/ college going
children has been elevated to the District Super Division. 2 team
players represented Kerala University in the All India Inter University
tournament.
22. Changes in the Board of Directors
During the course of the fnancial year 2015-16, the following changes
have occurred in the Board of Directors of the Bank.
1. Shri. B Ramesh Babu, Chief General Manager (A&S), State Bank of
India, Director appointed under Clause (c) of sub-section (1) of
Section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959,
tendered his resignation upon his transfer to Chennai Circle on 24th
August, 2015, from the Board of Directors.
2. Shri. Ramesh Chandra Srivastava, General Manager (A&S), State Bank
of India, Director appointed under Clause (c) of sub-section (1) of
Section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959,
tendered his resignation upon his transfer to Zonal inspection Ofce,
Bengaluru on 27th August, 2015, from the Board of Directors.
3. Shri. Neeraj Vyas, Chief General Manager (A&S), State Bank of India
was appointed as Director under Clause (c) of sub-section (1) of
Section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959 with
efect from 24th August, 2015 in place of Shri.B. Ramesh Babu.
4. Shri. Ravi Nandan Sahay, Chief General Manager (A&S), State Bank of
India was appointed as Director under Clause (c) of sub-section (1) of
Section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959 with
efect from 28th August, 2015 in place of Shri. Ramesh Chandra
Srivastava
5. Shri. C Rajkumar, Director under Clause (cb) of sub-section (1) of
Section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959,
tendered his resignation upon his cessation to be an ofce bearer of the
ABOA unit of State Bank of Travancore, on 15th September, 2015.
6. Shri. Vijay Kumar Monga, General Manager (A&S), State Bank of India
was appointed as Director under Clause (c) of sub-section (1) of
Section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act 1959 with
efect from 30th September, 2015.
7. Shri. Ashok Kumar Singh, Director appointed under clause (e) of
sub-section (1) of section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary
Banks) Act 1959 ceased to be Director with efect from 15th January,
2016.
8. Shri Anshuman Sharma, Deputy Secretary, Department of Financial
Services, Government of India, was appointed Director under Clause (e)
of sub-section (1) of section 25 of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary
Banks) Act 1959 with efect from 28th March, 2016 in place of Shri.
Ashok Kumar Singh.
The Board of Directors welcomed Shri Neeraj Vyas,
Shri Ravi Nandan Sahay, Shri Vijay Kumar Monga and Shri Anshuman Sharma
as Directors of the Bank.
The Board of Directors place on record their appreciation and thanks
for the valuable services rendered by Shri B Ramesh Babu, Shri Ramesh
Chandra Srivastava, Shri C. Rajkumar and Shri Ashok Kumar Singh during
their tenure as Directors of the Bank.
23. Board and Executive Committee Meetings
During the year 2015-16, 7 Meetings of the Board of Directors were
held. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors met 16 times.
24. Statutory Audit
M/s Kumar Vijay Gupta & Co. New Delhi, M/s G.Venugopal Kamath & Co.
Kochi, M/s Gopalaiyer and Subramanian, Coimbatore and M/s. Babu A
Kallivayalil & Co. Kochi were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the
Bank for the year 2015-16 by State Bank of India, with the approval of
Reserve Bank of India. The Board of Directors sincerely appreciates the
valuable suggestions ofered and the excellent support and cooperation
extended by the Statutory Central Auditors for the completion of the
audit well in time.
25. Acknowledgments
The Board of Directors gratefully acknowledge the valuable advice and
support extended by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India,
Reserve Bank of India, Indian Banks' Association, State Bank of India
and the cooperation and support extended by the Securities and Exchange
Board of India, Financial Institutions, Stock Exchanges and
Correspondents.
The Board also wishes to place on record its sincere appreciation for
the excellent support, goodwill and patronage received from the
esteemed customers and shareholders, the support and co-operation
extended and contributions made by the members of staf- award and
supervising. The Board also places on record its appreciation for the
contributions made by the Employees' Union and Ofcers' Association.
By Order of the Board,
Jeevandas Narayan
Managing Director
