Employees at a Canara Bank branch in Kochi staged a protest on Thursday against the alleged beef ban imposed in the office canteen by the newly appointed regional manager. The employees, backed by the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), took a unique step by serving beef and parotta outside the branch to highlight their concerns.
Originally, the protest was planned due to allegations of mental harassment and disrespectful behaviour by the new manager, a Bihari native. However, when news emerged of the manager allegedly banning beef in the canteen, the protest quickly shifted focus to oppose this ban. According to BEFI leader SS Anil, “Food is a personal choice, and this is a matter of individual freedom protected by the Constitution. We are not forcing anyone to eat beef, this is simply our form of protest.”
Allegations Against the Regional Manager
The regional manager had reportedly instructed the canteen staff to stop serving beef, citing his personal dietary choices. This decision was met with strong opposition from the employees, who viewed it as an infringement on their right to choose their food. “This bank functions according to the guidelines of the Constitution,” said a senior BEFI leader. “Banning beef in a public sector bank violates those rights.”
The protest drew support from political leaders in Kerala, with Independent MLA KT Jaleel expressing his solidarity with the employees. In a post on Facebook, Jaleel condemned the actions of the manager, asserting, “It is not up to superior officers to decide what to wear, what to eat, or what to think.” He further emphasised that Kerala’s political and cultural values should not be dictated by anyone’s personal beliefs.
Cultural Significance of Beef in Kerala
Kerala, where beef is a staple in many diets, has seen several similar protests in the past, particularly after the 2017 federal government ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter. This move had sparked fierce resistance, with large-scale beef festivals being organised to reclaim the right to consume beef. As one protestor pointed out, beef in Kerala is not just about food, but part of the region’s cultural fabric, with no religious connotations attached.
While the protest has captured local attention, the central leadership of Canara Bank has yet to make a public statement regarding the incident. In the meantime, the issue continues to stoke debate over the imposition of personal beliefs in a professional setting and the protection of cultural and food choices.
