**SBI Official’s Refusal to Speak Kannada Sparks Outrage in Karnataka**
A recent incident involving a State Bank of India (SBI) official’s refusal to communicate in Kannada during a customer interaction has ignited significant controversy and public backlash in Karnataka. The event occurred at the Surya Nagar branch in Anekal taluk, where a video captured the staff member engaged in a heated exchange with a customer over the use of the local language.
In the footage, the official questions the customer, who is believed to be recording the interaction, about any regulations that require her to speak Kannada. The situation escalates as the customer insists on the use of Kannada, leading the official to walk away while stating, “I will never speak Kannada.”
The video quickly gained traction on social media, prompting users to tag SBI and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Critics accused the bank staff of imposing Hindi on customers, exhibiting inappropriate behavior, and neglecting to adhere to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines during working hours.
In response to the backlash, SBI released a statement expressing regret over the incident. The bank emphasized its commitment to customer respect and announced that the matter is under thorough evaluation. SBI reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any behavior that negatively impacts customer sentiment.
The controversy has escalated further, with the pro-Kannada organization Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) announcing statewide protests. The group has accused the staff at the SBI Chandapura branch of consistently disrespecting Kannada-speaking customers and failing to provide essential services in the local language.
On May 21, KRV plans to conduct two simultaneous protests at 11 am. One protest will feature hundreds of activists marching to SBI’s Head Office on St. Mark’s Road in Bengaluru to submit a memorandum, while the KRV Women’s Wing will demonstrate outside the Chandapura branch on Anekal Road. KRV state president TA Narayanagowda emphasized that the issue revolves around linguistic respect and customer dignity.
As the situation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding language use in public services and the importance of respecting local languages in customer interactions.
**FAQ**
**Q: What sparked the controversy involving the SBI official?**
A: The controversy arose when an SBI official refused to speak Kannada during a customer interaction, leading to public criticism and protests over language respect in Karnataka.
