VIBEWA report calls for urgent reforms in banking for visually impaired
Times of India | 9 October 2025The discussions, held on October 6-7, 2025, involved top officials from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), and the Ministry of Finance.
VIBEWA, an association dedicated to the empowerment of blind and low vision bank employees across India, presented a comprehensive report based on a nationwide survey. The report, titled "Survey report on the working conditions of the Visually Impaired in Indian Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks: Review of Implementation of Government Guidelines and Way Ahead (VIBEWA 2025)," highlights critical non-compliance issues and systemic barriers faced by visually impaired employees in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
The association's demands focus on several core areas, including:
1.
: VIBEWA calls for the establishment of a mechanism to regularly track the implementation of government circulars that provide facilities to employees with disabilities.
2.
: The association demands strict enforcement of the 1% reservation in promotions for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and the removal of discriminatory clauses such as mandatory 'operational posting' that hinder career progression for visually impaired staff.
3.
: VIBEWA seeks exemption for blind employees from periodic rotational or routine transfers.
4.
: The association insists on achieving 100% digital and physical accessibility across all core banking software, internal portals, and workplace infrastructure, including accessible toilets, ramps, and signage.
5.
: Emphasis is placed on the consistent provision and maintenance of licensed assistive technologies, such as screen readers and magnifiers, and institutionalizing essential human assistance for official duties and tours.
6.
: VIBEWA calls for an urgent review and revision of the Special Conveyance Allowance to align with the actual costs faced by visually impaired employees.
A VIBEWA spokesperson stated, "We have engaged in constructive dialogue and presented irrefutable evidence of the challenges. The onus is now on the ministries to take decisive action. This is not about seeking new rights; it is about enforcing existing laws and ensuring equality and dignity for visually impaired employees.
We expect the Ministries to issue clear, time-bound directives to all public sector banks to implement the report's recommendations without delay and set up a robust periodic review mechanism.
"
The VIBEWA delegation, comprising president Rajesh Asudani, general secretary Himanshu Sahu, secretary Mohd Parvesh, and EC member Akhilesh Dahiya, will closely monitor the follow-up actions of the respective ministries. The association remains prepared to escalate its advocacy efforts until every visually impaired bank employee is guaranteed a fully compliant and accessible workplace.
