State Bank of India Officers’ Association (Kerala Circle) is the sole recognised trade union representing the officers of State Bank of India working in Kerala, Mahe and the Lakshadweep Islands. Formed on 25 October 2000 as an independent, apolitical body of serving officers, the Association functions from its headquarters at the SBI Local Head Office (LHO) building, Thiruvananthapuram.

Following the merger of Associate Banks with SBI in April 2017, ABOA (Unit SBT), the officers’ organisation of State Bank of Travancore was integrated with SBIOA (KC), making it the largest bank officers’ trade union in Kerala, with a membership strength of over 5,600 officers. The Association is affiliated to the All India State Bank Officers’ Federation (AISBOF), which is in turn directly affiliated to the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), the apex body of bank officers in India.

Organisational Character

• Independent and apolitical: Run by serving officers and maintains independence from partisan political affiliations, ensuring decisions are guided solely by members’ interests.
• Democratic Functioning: Office-bearers are elected as per the Association’s constitution and decisions are taken through consultative processes.
• Coordination with the Bank: Believes in constructive engagement with management for improving business, systems, and ethical banking while safeguarding officers’ rights.

Vision and Core Objectives

The Association’s motto is to ensure the welfare and dignity of SBI officers through unity and collective bargaining, committed to:

• Improvement of Service Conditions: Striving for better and equitable conditions, fair workload distribution, and work–life balance.
• Protection of Members’ Interests: Redressing grievances and safeguarding officers from undue pressure or arbitrary decisions.
• Enhancement of Quality of Life: Promoting the economic, social, and cultural well-being of members and fostering unity.

Key Initiatives and Activities

• Area / Regional Meetings: Regular meetings serve as an interface between the Association and members for addressing grievances and disseminating policy updates.
• Training and Capacity Building: Organising programmes for promotion aspirants, newly promoted officers, and branch managers focusing on operations, HR, and leadership.
• Support in Disciplinary / Vigilance Matters: Extending assistance to members involved in disciplinary proceedings to ensure principles of natural justice are upheld.
• Educational Wing (TRABOES): Coordinates systematic coaching for promotion tests and sessions on banking topics.
• Cultural and Family Engagement (STABOC): Organises family get-togethers, arts, and sports events to reinforce fellowship and provide stress relief.

Social Security and Welfare Scheme (SSWS)

This initiative provides significant benefits to its members, including:

• Financial assistance of ₹10,00,000 to the family of a member in the event of their demise.
• A benevolent assistance of ₹10,000 to retiring members.
• Access to guest house facilities at Guruvayur, Wayanad, Vagamon, and Munnar.

Infrastructure Development

SBIOA (KC) is constructing a modern Association complex in Thiruvananthapuram comprising an administrative office, training hall, and guest rooms. Notably, the project is funded entirely from members’ monthly subscription income.

SBIOA (Kerala Circle) stands as a strong, credible, and service-oriented organisation, enhancing both the professional excellence and personal well-being of its members.