FOR THE KIND ATTENTION OF THE PENSION PAYING BANKS

FOR THE KIND ATTENTION OF PENSION PAYING BANKS

The number of pensioners is increasing day by day.  Modern commercial banks do not like the aged pensioners crowding at their branches for their monthly pension.   Therefore many pensioners are given ATM cards and driven away to ATM machines for drawing their monthly pension.  It is the aged pensioner in the age group of 85 + who cannot make use of these ATM Cards, and some illiterate family pensioners, who cannot be issued with these ATM Cards are the only class of pensioners who visit the banks for drawing pension.  Other pensioners mostly prefer to draw their pension through ATMs.

Therefore, the Banks aim to reduce the crowd at the Branches is some what achieved.  But the question is, do these banks really treat these pensioners as their customers?  The answer is No.  All the banks have centralized the pension payment process, local bank Branches have no knowledge about the transactions in the individual pensioners accounts.  Most of the CPPCs of various Banks in southern districts are situated in Chennai, thus keeping away from the pensioners from direct contact and access to their pension original records.  The pension paying bank branches are unable to attend the queries of the pensioners. 

It is earnestly requested that the following facilities may be provided to the pensioners at their branches at least  during first week of the month.

1)  A separate counter may be provided for the aged pensioners at least during the  

      First week of the month.

2)  Some Branches of the State Bank of India, and Canara Bank in Urban and      

     Semi urban  areas highly crowded during the first week of the month, aged

     Pensioners are finding it very difficult for toilet facilities.  These banks are

     Requested to provide toilet facilities to these pensioners.

3)  Special counters may be provided for updating pass books and inquiry.

4)  Help counters may provided for illiterate family pensioners.

There has to be a sea change in the attitude of society towards aged persons who need no sympathy but respect and a bit of consideration.  After all, they have earned these due to their long innings of useful service to the nation.

Where there is respect for elders, that society has a bright future based upon values, which our ancients had preached and practiced.