Most ATMs without cash

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 8

In a survey undertaken by The Tribune, it was found that more than 50 per cent of ATMs in Patiala city were out of cash or not working.

Out of 30 ATMs surveyed, 17 were either out of cash or non-functional. Long queues were seen outside a few functional ATMs throughout the city.

People were furious as they had to struggle to get liquid cash. Standing in long queues and getting nothing after hours of waiting just added to their misery on Saturday afternoon.

Out of the 30 ATMs that were checked, 11 ATMs belonged to the State Bank of India (SBI), which were out of cash. SBI account holders complained that most of the time SBI ATMs remained out of cash.

Another factor that frustrates people is the limit on cash withdrawals per month from ATMs.

Last year, following the RBI instructions, the SBI had said that customers with a basic savings bank deposit would get four free withdrawals, including ATMs, in a month, after which withdrawals will be charged at Rs 50 plus service tax at an SBI withdrawal and at Rs 20 plus service tax at other bank ATMs.

Various banks in the city were seen struggling to cope with the serpentine queues as most of the ATMs were going dry with no adequate replenishment in place.

Ramnique Singh, one of the disgruntled customers, said: “It is very disappointing that a majority of the ATMs are not working.”

According to the manager of one of the SBI branches in the city, lack of liquid cash with the banks was one of the main reasons behind banks failing to manage cash in ATMs.

ATM machines at the SBI head branch, Sheran Wala Gate, were also out of cash in the afternoon. However, after the manager was informed about the same, he said cash would be refilled within a couple of hours.

Yadvinder Singh, a SBI card holder, said: “At least, banks should notify or put some notice outside the ATMs to avoid inconvenience to the customers.”

Officials at the SBI head branch, Patiala, refrained to comment on the issue stating that the Deputy General Manager is the official spokesperson and he is on leave.  

Serpentine queues

• Various banks in the city were seen struggling to cope with the serpentine queues as most of the ATMs were going dry with no adequate replenishment in place. Another factor that frustrates people is the limit on cash withdrawals per month from ATMs.
• Last year, following the RBI instructions, the SBI had said that customers with a basic savings bank deposit would get four free withdrawals, including ATMs, in a month, after which withdrawals will be charged at Rs 50 plus service tax at an SBI withdrawal and at Rs 20 plus service tax at other bank ATMs.