Due to all India bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions, all public sector banks here were closed on February 10 and 11 causing non-transaction of over Rs 500 crore.
ATM counters were closed putting the customers in great inconvenience. There was a public resentment over the strike as well. A bank customer asked the very rationale for the stir when the bank employees are paid handsomely, besides perks and several other benefits.
He termed it as blackmailing by the bank employees before the polls. The loss by the importers and exporters also was worth crores of rupees. Customs and port duties could not be paid through the banks. Berthing of ships in port also was affected due to nonpayment of Customs duty.