NEW DELHI: SBI temporarily suspends its circular on recruitment of pregnant women.In view of the public sentiments, the bank has decided to keep the revised instructions regarding recruitment of pregnant women candidates in abeyance and continue with the existing instructions in the matter.

According to SBI's recent circular, a woman candidate with more than three months pregnancy will be considered "temporarily unfit" for recruitment.Several organizations had come out in protest, alleging that the circular was discriminatory against women, and the Women's Commission had issued a notice to SBI against the circular.

Earlier, SBI had strict restrictions on the recruitment and promotion of pregnant women. These restrictions were eased in 2009 as a result of several protests. But the new circular was alleged to be an attempt to bring back the old restrictions.