GUWAHATI, Nov 19 - As thousands queue up in banks to deposit or exchange old notes, bank employees are feeling the heat of the government decision to demonetize the old high value notes.
�We reach office by 8-8.30 in the morning. On most days since November 8, we had to stay back till 11-12 in the night. The last couple of days had, however, been better as queues were less due to non-availability of small notes,� said a manager of a Union Bank branch here.
�Once we reach office, we need to go through the latest circulars before our regular work starts. We have not been able to devote much time to normal banking. But we must complete the pending works related to loans, schemes, etc., on time,� he added.
Though the government had asked banks to hire retired employees so that they could help in relieving the unprecedented rush, there are reports that not many are keen on taking up the job again, especially given the situation.
For working on two holidays last week (Saturday and Sunday), banks have given options to its employees to either avail three days of special leave or get cash incentive of around Rs 3,000 per day. Some banks have given other options as well.
However, bank managements have asked the branch managers not to grant leave to its employees as of now.
