All of us are observing that the new variant of Covid virus - Omicron is fast spreading across our country. In view of the increasing signs of surge in number of people getting infected in different States, we feel it necessary to caution all our unions and employees to exercise utmost caution in this situation.

We find that even those who have undergone both the doses of vaccination, are getting infected now. Hence, we should exhort all the employees to be extra careful while travelling to the Branches and while doing their work in the Branches. We should unfailingly adhere to all protocol guidelines and safeguards. Vaccination coupled with substantial reduction in number of cases infected by the virus in the recent months has greatly eased the pandemic situation and slowly normalcy was getting restored. It has been a big sigh of relief for the employees and our Unions were also getting ready to revive our normal activities. But this Omicron virus is now spreading fast creating lot of concerns. There are reports that a third wave of covid is likely to hit the country and will peak during Feb 2022. We are already witnessing these signs in some of the States. The State Governments are also placing various restrictions on travel and normal activities and imposition of curfew, etc. We request all to take note of the above and avoid unnecessary exposure at crowds and restrict our activities only to official necessities so that we are safe, our families are safe, our colleagues are safe and our customers are also safe whom we are in contact with on daily basis when they come to Branches. Some of the Banks have already started issuing guidelines for exemption of pregnant women employees and employees with disabilities (Divyangian) & Visually Impaired employees from attending Banks and to undertake work from home. We are also appropriately taking up the issue with the IBA and Government for proper guidelines to all Banks. We observe that our Unions have started to arrange meetings, conferences, etc. looking to the improved conditions. But, now looking to the emerging situations, Unions should avoid such occasions and as far as possible resort to online meetings, video conferences, group calls, etc. No doubt, our activities are important but our leaders and cadres are precious and employees at large are very very precious. Their health safety is our top concern. Hence, we should move accordingly. Together let us remain careful and overcome this phase also