SBI software denies Schedule Tribe option to Christians: Arunachal forum
The Arunachal Christian Forum has accused the State Bank of India of digital discrimination, claiming their software prevents Christian applicants from selecting the 'Scheduled Tribe' status. The forum is demanding technical corrections to ensure religious identity does not override tribal status.
Why it matters
The issue highlights potential systemic bias in digital banking systems and the intersection of religious and tribal identity rights in India.
An apex body of Christians in Arunachal Pradesh alleged that the State Bank of India’s digital banking software prevents followers of the religion from selecting the ‘Scheduled Tribe (ST)’ option during account opening or KYC (Know Your Customer) update.
The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) said the digital system automatically classifies an applicant as ‘General’ when he or she marks self as Christian.
In a letter to the regional manager of the SBI’s regional office in Itanagar, the State capital, ACF president James Techi Tara and secretary general Yomrik Lombi warned of agitations if the public sector bank did not make the requisite technical corrections within 15 days.
The SBI’s regional office received the letter on October 5.
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