Overview

• A video showing an SBI branch manager in Bengaluru refusing to speak Kannada and insisting on Hindi sparked public outrage and protests by pro-Kannada groups.
• The State Bank of India quickly transferred the manager and issued a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy toward conduct that affects customer sentiment.
• The manager later issued a video apology in Kannada, expressing regret and committing to conduct future interactions in the local language.
• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the manager’s behavior as disrespectful and called for mandatory language sensitisation training for all bank staff across India.
• Protests by Kannada activist groups are planned to demand systemic changes to ensure respect for linguistic and cultural norms in public services.