Canara Bank manager bans beef in canteen; employees serve it outside branch in protest

A Canara Bank branch in Kochi, Kerala, became the site of a unique protest as employees served beef to oppose an alleged ban imposed by the newly appointed regional manager on serving beef in the bank’s canteen.

The demonstration, organised by the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), involved serving beef and parotta, a popular Kerala combination, outside the office. Initially, the protest was planned against regional manager Ashwini Kumar over accusations of mental harassment and insulting behaviour toward employees. However, after learning about the reported beef ban, the focus of the protest shifted to highlight this issue as well.

BEFI leaders also accused the manager of behaving disrespectfully toward women employees, alleging that one female staff member had been unable to continue working due to mental harassment.

The protesters demanded a formal apology from the management for insulting a woman employee. They further called for the appointment of adequate staff across branches, implementation of transparent transfer policies, timely payment of wages to daily wagers, and resolution of irregularities in transfers carried out under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Maktoob Media reported.

BEFI leader S.S. Anil told the media that the bank operates under constitutional principles and emphasised that food choices are a personal matter. He explained that in India, everyone has the right to decide what they eat, and the canteen serves beef only on specific days. According to him, the regional manager had instructed the canteen staff to stop serving beef altogether. Anil clarified that the protest was not about forcing anyone to eat beef but about asserting their right to choose.

MLA K.T. Jaleel also commented, stating that no authority has the right to dictate what people should wear, eat, or think. He added that attempts to impose such restrictions, which he described as "diktats of the Sangh," would not succeed in Kerala. He characterised the state as "red at heart," symbolising its progressive outlook, and said the people's thoughts carry the fragrance of chempananeer (red sandalwood flowers).

Beef, he noted, is a commonly consumed food in Kerala, enjoyed by Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike, unlike in many northern states where its consumption is more restricted or contested.