SBI taking ATMs closer to those who cannot travel to a booth; doorstep banking in Silchar

The banker for every Indian- SBI is winning hearts with its efforts to make life easy during the lockdown. The world is going through a pandemic and the number of COVID19 positive cases is rising rapidly in India too. Meanwhile, a 65-year-old from Hailakandi tested positive yesterday making it one case in each district of Barak Valley. In such a scenario, it is has become even more essential for the people of the valley to stay indoors and follow the lockdown protocols strictly. But that does not mean one won’t need money. The essential commodities are selling and the prime minister has urged the people of this country to pay wages to house help, driver, sweepers and other daily wagers who make life easy on a day to day basis.

The banks are functioning as usual and are attending customers over the counter too. However, most banks ran advertising campaigns urging people to use internet banking and remain indoors. While that is a great alternative, it is not easy and in some cases impossible for older people to navigate through tech-interface. Also, there is a huge section of people who do not own a smartphone simply because they cannot afford one. SBI has launched a new initiative for them in Silchar.

The bank has mobilized six cars with portable POS-machine like ATMs through which one can withdraw money. Called Customer Service Point (CSP) are kiosks to promote self banking. In each car, there is one member who is aware of the technical aspects and the cars move around from Silchar Medical College to Salchapra and from Rongpur to Chengcoorie road.

A senior officer of the State Bank Of India Silchar region said the idea is to help the pensioners, senior citizens and the poor. “We had set a limit of Rs 2000 per withdrawal considering the vault in each machine can stock up to Rs 2 lakh. However, if some needs Rs 5000 we are allowing that. We believe this attempt will take the ATM closer to those who cannot travel to one,” said the officer.

Besides that, the officer said each and every branch can offer doorstep banking on a case to case basis. Yesterday, bankers from SBI Hailakandi Branch went to the resident of a 91-year-old pensioner living in Algapur after the transaction hours to hand over her monthly pension. The officer said that they can be done by any branch anywhere in Barak Valley.

After this initiative from State Bank of India, it remains to be seen if other banks follow too. The officer appreciated the efforts of CSP members who are taking care of the transactions and the drivers who are driving those cars which are roaming around with the portable atm.