Situation at ATMs, bank branches grim in Bengal

Serpentine queues were witnessed in front of banks as harassed people waited for hours to withdraw money here even as ATMs ran dry on the second day after ATM withdrawal was allowed following a two-day moratorium.

There were reports of damage to equipment in a SBI e-corner here as people vent their ire. Despite efforts by banks to ease the situation, people complained that ATMs were running dry within hours of re-opening and timely refilling was not being done in the metropolis or in the districts. 

SBI CGM P P Senggupta said that about 1000 ATMs of 3000 were functional and acknowledged there are problems in currency management with logistics limitation. "There are are reports of some excess rush in a few locations. Currency management of Rs 100 notes and logistics limitation due to a sudden spurt in demand are creating some problems in meeting customers' demand. People will also have to realise and behave judiciously during this period," he said.

The situation may continue for another few days before it normalises. The ATMs are managed by private agencies and they fail to cater to all ATMs despite their best efforts due to limited resource and such services can also not be ramped up overnight, according to bank officials.

Things were also not smooth at bank counters for withdrawal or deposit of cash. People complained that even for deposits less than Rs 10,000 they are forced to bring an ID proof. "I'm an employee of a firm and came to Yes Bank Dalhouise branch to deposit old notes worth less than Rs 10,000 but the bank is asking for an ID proof for submitting the same. Government said it is mandatory for deposit in excess of Rs 2.5 lakh," a confused employee of a small private firm complained.