SBI, has decided to induct about 10,000 new employees into its workforce within the current financial year. The move would help meet the increasing demands of general banking while boosting the technological capacity of the company. Improving customer services and strengthening the overall digital foundation to meet customers’ changing needs, SBI is well geared to take up the emerging challenge from customers.
Improving Skills and Techno Capability
SBI Chairman C. S. Setty recently mentioned in an interview that the bank is focusing on improving two of its more important workforces, namely, technology and general banking. He added that, indeed, the bank had begun to hire nearly 1,500 technology professionals from both entry- as well as mid-level positions. The hiring under IT will include specific data scientists, data architects, and network operators. “We are hiring them for different jobs in the technology side,” Setty said, pointing out that the bank understands that a skilled workforce is necessary to handle the complexities of contemporary banking.
So far in March 2024, SBI’s total staff strength had risen to 232,296 and 110,116 among them officers. The planned recruitment meets the objective of the bank in the sense of improving the operational capabilities and service delivery. Setty underlined that the bank requires constant capacity building through the process of reskilling and upskilling employees on present duties and to meet the emerging demands of customers and also technological intervention. “Customer expectations are changing, technology is changing, digitalization is widely adopted,” said Setty, further underlining the commitment of the bank to keep its employees updated with the latest trends in banking.
Increased Branch Network and Access
This, along with hiring, is upgrading its branch network across locations for easier access for its customers. SBI has released its notice to open 600 new branches across the country this financial year. Currently, SBI runs 22,542 branches, but many of the emerging residential areas lack proper representation, according to Setty. The new set of branches will primarily focus on these regions to reach a larger base and ensure SBI delivers its services to all Indians.
With 65,000 ATMs and 85,000 business correspondents catering to approximately 500 million customers, SBI provides the widest range of services. Setty was quick to exclaim, “We take pride in saying that we are the banker to every Indian, and, more importantly, to every Indian family.” Their wide network reflects the commitment of SBI toward the inclusion of banking services.
SBI Vision for the Future
So, Setty went on to speak about his vision for SBI. His vision is, and he would like it to become, the best and most valued bank in the country, and while arguing this point, he said that this has to be done by building the kind of relationship with all the stakeholders – a customer, shareholder, or even the community at large. “It could be my customers, it could be our shareholders, it could be the larger the society, the institutional framework the stakeholders should be saying that this is the best bank to deal with,” he emphasized.
Against this backdrop, refreshed by strategic focus areas such as recruitment, technological investments, and branches, SBI is set to enhance the banking experience of millions of customers in India. As the financial landscape is subject to daily change, SBI remains steadfast in its commitment to the mission to service every Indian family as an undisputed trusted partner in the banking journey of the nation.