Around 150 Guards Face Job Loss as CISS Services Replaces WVSO Enterprises; Memorandum Sent to SSP

Key Points:

• Old SBI ATM guards allege new agency CISS Services using antisocial elements to remove them
• Woman guard allegedly assaulted during peaceful sit-in protest by new agency’s associates
• Around 150 guards demand character verification of newly appointed guards from outside Jharkhand

JAMSHEDPUR — A serious dispute has erupted over the security arrangements at SBI ATMs in the city, with long-serving guards accusing the newly appointed agency, CISS Services Limited, of forcibly removing them with the help of criminal elements and physically assaulting a woman guard during a peaceful protest.

The guards, who were previously employed under WVSO Enterprises Limited, submitted a memorandum to the Senior Superintendent of Police of East Singhbhum, detailing their grievances. They alleged that following the change of agency, CISS Services Limited began replacing all old guards with new recruits, putting the livelihoods of long-serving employees at risk.

According to the guards, they had earlier written to the Labour Superintendent, the Deputy Commissioner, other administrative officials, and the Jharkhand government about the issue. They had also personally met the SBI regional manager to apprise him of their situation. The bank management had reportedly assured them of a resolution. However, no concrete action has been taken so far.

The guards subsequently decided to hold a democratic and peaceful sit-in protest. During the demonstration, some antisocial elements allegedly connected to the new agency arrived at the spot and behaved indecently with a woman guard before assaulting her. The incident has triggered deep anger among the guards, who have warned that they will intensify their agitation if such incidents are repeated.

The guards have demanded that the administration conduct a background verification of the character certificates of all guards newly appointed by CISS Services Limited. They alleged that many of the new appointees are residents of states outside Jharkhand and are being deployed in sensitive security roles without any background checks.

Kumod Kumar, speaking on behalf of the aggrieved guards, said that approximately 150 security guards are currently employed at SBI ATMs across the city, and all of them are deeply concerned about their employment and safety. He demanded a fair and impartial inquiry into the entire matter and strict action against those found guilty.