Page 131 - A Banker Down the Rabbit Hole

with my Branch Head. He felt constrained too but did not see any
possibility of improvement due to bank's policy not to shift to new
premises till end of the remaining lease period of 7 years for the purpose
of economy on rent.

One day, during lunch time, when most of the staff was out for lunch, I
rose from my seat and took a round of the branch hall and adjoining
areas. I observed that there was a 14 feet wide and 25 feet long lobby in
front of teller cabins. There was adequate space available even with sofa
sets for customers. I estimated that to remove congestion within the hall,
I needed only 5 feet space to move the counter on outer side towards
the customer lobby that would still remain sufficiently spacious.

I consulted one of our customers, who was a furniture supplier for
solution. He was quick like a sharp businessman and in one look; he
suggested the same thing I had in mind. He informed that it will take one
and a half day to pull the counter forward by 5 feet and re-fix it and also
to fill the gap so created on the side of counter to modify the wooden
half gate to regulate entry into the hall. The charges seemed to be
reasonable at around Rs10,000 then, for material and labour both.

I spoke to the Branch Manager about this. He assumed so many problems
like when to get it done, how to pass the bill as his financial power was
Rs 5000 only and higher office might not approve it, who would supervise
the work as it would be done beyond office hours and lastly the staff
union leader would object. I knew that actually the last reason was the
foremost reason as unions were very strong in those days and they
needed to be consulted for every big or small matter.

I saw no reason in assumed disagreement on part of the union leader to
free up space when no one was in any way adversely affected. I assured
the Branch Head that the work could be done on one half day on Saturday
and one full day on the following Sunday. The bill could be passed
separately for labour and separately for material by the Branch Manager

128 | A Banker down the Rabbit Hole