Postal Bank of India soon

Indian banking system has been continuously on growth and development path since independence.  All types of banks - public, private, foreign, cooperative or regional rural banks have been responding to the guidelines of GOI/RBI to take the banking to rural areas besides expanding all over the country on an on-going basis.  Almost all the poverty alleviation schemes and priority sector lending obligations have been carried out by these banks, in particular the public sector, including branch expansion extensively.  Only the figures will speak about the commitment with which these banks have been rendering the developmental finance and service over the years.  However, there have always been studies showing the deficiencies of public and private banks.  On the other side, all the commercial banks in India have been responding promptly to all the reforms measures as well as modernising to catch up with technological innovations.  Now, the recent news is about Postal department extending to rural and other areas by opening a new Postal Bank of India.  It is a welcome measure so that there will be a level playing field in banking.

Talking ATM in India

Talking ATM in India

What is a Talking ATM? A Talking ATM is a type of automated teller machine (ATM) that provides audible instructions so that persons who cannot read an ATM screen can independently use the machine. The world’s first talking ATM for the blind was an NCR machine unveiled by the Royal Bank ofCanada onOctober 22, 1997 at a bank branch on the corner of Bank Street and Queen Street in Ottawa, Ontario.

Talking ATMs in Passport Offices

I have been writing on a variety of ATMs in vogue these days in India and abroad.  There have been a host of types of ATMs like Biometric, Micro, Solar-based, White labelled or Brown Labelled ATMs in use.

Only yesterday, in Business Line columns I came across another interesting news item "NCR Corp to set up 50 'talking' ATMs in passport offices.  It is reported that Union Bank of India has initiated this move of setting up country's first talking ATM in Ahmedabad to help the visually challenged.  The bank seems to be aiming at 100 such ATMs.  We are experiencing the technological changes in every walk of life like this.

Interview with Chhavi Rajawat Mayor of Soda, India.

MBA from UK, now sarpanch in Kashmir

SBI in News!

SBI Staff to work on Sundays

All said and done, SBI leadership is somewhat distinct.  Its Chairman is always in news for some good reasons or expressing views on the market, interest rates, new policies of RBI or Government or its own.  Two days back, SBI Chairman opined that CRR may have to be eased out.  Today, he comes out with a proposal that their staff will work on Sundays.  That does not mean they will not work on other days of the week.  My personal view is that Banks, Post Offices, Hospitals, Cinema Halls, Shopping Malls, Eateries, etc should be open on Sundays so that all busy working professionals and others will spend good time together with their families including completing many personal transactions.  Banks and others who are open on Sundays, can avail weekly off on Mondays so that their own staff can attend to other works in Government Offices etc conveniently.  This initiative of SBI is laudable in the larger public interest.

No blogs this month!

I did not post till date in August month.  May be because I was travelling to Bangalore, involved many activities at the Institute, and assumed my new additional responsibilities as Chairman-Admissions (second stint).  Of course, there have been several developments on the personal and professional front; events around like Conferences and Alumni meets, visit of CRISIL grading team and so on.  Banking scene has also been witnessing some interesting developments including a 2-day strike this week.  Next week, SBI Manipal is shifting in to a new premises and I have dinner meet fix up with the CGM Bangalore.  News in the family front about proposals for Sravanthi, new job taken up by Abhishek (Babla) in Bangalore, Ganga's elevation as Principal with a hike in pay, Dipthi travelling from USA, etc also have been engaging my time.