Reporte – JOHN WILBERT , Port Blair, Andaman Nicobar , July 3, 2024:
Customers of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Aberdeen Bazar have recently faced significant inconveniences due to non-functional ATM and POS machines. The main branch of SBI in Aberdeen Bazar, which houses six ATM machines, frequently has three machines out of service due to technical issues, as confirmed by officials present on site. This has resulted in long queues and delays for customers needing cash withdrawals.
Additionally, the problem extends to the entire SBI network in the area, including the Aberdeen Main Branch, Evening Branch, Raksha Vihar Dollygunj, and Bhathubasthi branches, where POS machines are often out of service. This has severely impacted customers who rely on these machines for transactions. One frustrated customer noted that officials at these branches were unresponsive to inquiries about the service disruptions.
The situation in South Andaman, where internet connectivity is relatively better, raises concerns about the banking conditions in more remote areas such as Campbell Bay, Hut Bay, and North and Middle Andaman and Nicobar Districts, where internet connections are poor, making net banking impractical. In these areas, customers are entirely dependent on ATM and POS machines for their banking needs.
Islanders have urged the State Bank of India to urgently address these issues to ensure uninterrupted services for all customers.
