Pune: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) submitted memorandums to nine major banks recently, urging them to ensure that all banking services, communication, and documentation are available in Marathi for account holders in Maharashtra.

Citing Marathi as the state’s official language, the MNS warned of stringent agitation if their demands are not met within the next 15 days. The banks approached include nationalized institutions such as Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of Baroda, State Bank of Hyderabad, and Union Bank of India, as well as private players like ICICI Bank, Syndicate Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

A delegation led by MNS General Secretary and Janadhikar Sena President Hemant Sambhus, along with members, Sanjay Divekar, Kedar Kodolikar, Rohit Gurjar, Nikhil Joshi, Praveen Sonawane, Mahesh Shirke, Anil Pawar, Anil Kandhare, Ashok Gaware, Abhay Dhotre, Rahul Wankhede, and Ganesh Rathod, submitted the memorandum to the respective banks.

The MNS cited a 2014 circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which mandates that banking services be provided in the regional language of each state.

The circular specifically requires banks to provide documents, computer systems, and websites in Marathi for customers in Maharashtra and communicate with account holders in the language.

The party also expressed concern about the lack of opportunities for Marathi-speaking individuals in banks. It alleged that branch manager positions are often filled by individuals from other states, even though many qualified Marathi individuals are overlooked for such promotions.

The MNS demanded that this imbalance be corrected by giving priority to Marathi-speaking individuals for managerial roles. Addressing the media, Sambhus issued a stern warning to the banks, stating that if the RBI circular is not implemented within 15 days, the MNS will initiate an intense agitation. He also mentioned that complaints would be filed against the banks with the RBI.