With objective to provide congestion less and highly sanitised environment to its customers, the State-run banks have announced safety measures for their employees and customers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Bank of India informed that ATM, branch banking and door step banking will be restricted and may be closed if necessary, depending upon the situation. This is being implemented to ensure minimum human contact. However, banking through digital channels like mobile and Internet banking shall remain open, the Bank said in a release.
Rolling out Stay Safe campaign for its customers and medical support for its staff, the Bank said banks and ATMs are crucial places which are frequented by the public in large numbers. This human contact might prove to be a hindrance in arresting the rapid spread of this virus as feared by the medical fraternity, it added.
BoI and SLBC Deputy General Manager Sanjiv Sarkar said, "We are concerned about the well-being of our customers during these tough times and hence, request them to opt for the Banks’ seamless Digital Banking Services (DBS)."
The SLBC said about 50 per cent of its employees would be present in each branch on any given day and non-critical roles would be identified to enable implementation of the work-from-home policy.
If any employee tests positive, paid leave would be granted for treatment time. Meanwhile, all branches and offices have been advised to down shutters by 7 pm and ensure that adequate sanitization measures of the premises are carried out, it added.
The Bank said its branches will not offer passbook printing services to avoid possible contact with the affected and asked customers to avail such facilities digitally.
"Self-isolation and social distancing are a must to ensure safety of people and society at large. All state run will continue to do whatever is necessary to curtail spread of this virus while ensuring customer service as well as employee safety is met simultaneously," said Sarkar.
Meanwhile, SLBC General Manager, Rabindra Kumar Das said that Rs 500 has been deposited in the account of all Jan Dhan women account holders under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana and 500-500 rupees will be deposited in May and June also. Appealing to the withdrawal of money, the General Manager said that the withdrawal of money can be done at any time.
"As per her convenience, account holders can withdraw money from ATMs, Bank Mitras or bank branches whenever they want. Das also has asked all account holders to follow social distancing at the time of withdrawal of money from banks, ATMs and Bank Mitras.