In a bid to offer easy banking solutions for the needy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed the banks to open a dedicated counter at the branches for the elderly and differently abled people.
The apex body has also asked the banks to ensure basic banking facilities at the doorstep of the above-mentioned section and promptly update their systems on receipt of life certificate at any branch of the pension paying bank.
The RBI has directed the banks to implement its instructions on ensuring “Banking Facility for Senior Citizens and Differently abled Persons” by December 31, 2017.
This announcement comes in wake of several complaints received against the banks denying immediate service to senior citizens and differently abled persons from availing their banking facilities in branches
“Notwithstanding the need to push digital transactions and use of ATMs, it is imperative to be sensitive to their requirements,” it added.
The doorstep facilities directed by the central banks include pick up of cash and instruments against receipt, delivery of cash against withdrawal from the account, delivery of demand drafts, submission of Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and life certificate.
Banks have been advised to issue minimum 25 cheque leaves every year, if requested, in savings bank account, free of charge. They have been asked not to ask for the physical presence of any customer, including senior citizens and differently abled persons for getting cheque books.
The RBI asked the banks to update the KYC-compliant account automatically and converted it into a ‘Senior Citizen Account’ based on the date of birth available in bank’s records.
