SBI manager transferred after video went viral ; CM Tweets

Bengaluru:

A viral video allegedly showing a confrontation between an SBI bank official and a customer in Karnataka has reignited the ongoing language row. In the clip, the customer demands that the official speak in Kannada, to which she responds by refusing to use the local language. After facing widespread backlash, the official later issued an apology through a video message.

In the video, the man filming says, “This is Karnataka, ma’am,” to which the woman responds, “This is India.” She goes on to say, “I will not speak Kannada first,” and adds that her mother tongue is Hindi.

The incident has caused massive outrage on social media, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah saying that the SBI Branch Manager has been transferred.

"The behaviour of the SBI Branch Manager in Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk refusing to speak in Kannada & English and showing disregard to citizens, is strongly condemnable. We appreciate SBI’s swift action in transferring the official. The matter may now be treated as closed...I urge the Ministry of Finance & Dept of Financial Services to mandate cultural and language sensitisation training for all bank staff across India. Respecting local language is respecting the people," said Siddaramaiah.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the incident. He said, “It is highly condemnable that the SBI branch manager in Suryanagar, Anekal taluk, refuses to speak Kannada or English and disregards the citizens. We appreciate SBI’s quick action in transferring the official. This matter can be considered closed now.”

He also tweeted on social media, “Such incidents must not recur. All bank employees should treat customers with dignity and make efforts to speak the local language. I urge the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Financial Services to make cultural and language sensitivity training mandatory for all bank staff across India. Respecting the local language means respecting the people.”