New Delhi: It is a bank holiday today, but SBI account holders have had no access to regular banking operations for four days now.
SBI ATMs are now running dry in different parts of the country; SBI has provided for free withdrawals for their customers from ATMs of other banks. But, as CNN-IBN finds out, these ATMs are also running out of cash quite fast.
The State Bank of India is trying hard to keep its customers happy even though most its staff is on strike .It has tied up with other banks to allow its customers to withdraw cash from their ATMs without any extra charge.
Some of the banks roped in for this service are HDFC Bank, UTI bank, Indus Ind Bank and Punjab National Bank.
In Rajasthan, close to eighty ATMs of the State Bank of India are already dry. But what is really worrying customers is that due to heavy demand ATM's of the other banks are also emptying out fast.
The bank strike is hurting businesses in all parts of the country. In the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Navi Mumbai, business is mostly transacted through SBI demand drafts, since the bank has branches in most villages. The SBI staff strike has dampened business, raising concern amongst traders and farmers.
The State Bank of India has the largest reach among all banks in the country, with branches in most small towns and villages. The continuing strike will only add to the hardships of its million plus customers.
Lakhs of account holders have no access to funds in their accounts as more than 9,000 branches through out India remain closed. Employees are demanding an increase in pensions, which they claim have not been increased in 14 years.
The management and Government are running out of options after the Delhi High Court refused to call the strike illegal.
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