SHILLONG: Following a series of emergent meetings convened by Power Minister Clement R. Marak with the bankers and the district administration to discuss issues of security and functioning of banks in the troubled region, almost all the banks, barring one or two, have resumed their services.
The series of meetings held on September 1-3 was also attended by Parliamentary Secretary Noverfield R. Marak, along with West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, Assistant General Manager of State Bank of India and the members of the bankers’ association.
Bakshi informed that in view of the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, the Chief Minister had requested the Power Minister to hold consultations and discussions with the bankers and the district administration to understand the issues and concerns of the bankers and institute measures and steps for reopening of all the bank branches in Garo Hills.
Following the meetings and in view of the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, the bankers decided that as far as possible the bank branches should be reopened and made functional. It was informed that 30 out of 41 State Bank of India branches have already been opened.
The bankers reiterated the need for security to be provided in the branches in addition to police escorts, as far as possible, in their movement to and from the branches. However, it was explained to the bankers that escort would be very difficult in the current situation.
The West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police also assured adequate security to the bankers.
Besies, other issues like provision for quarters to the Branch Manager and staff, provision of police personnel at the branches to liaise with the bank security guard and regular patrolling by personnel from the nearest Thana or outpost was also discussed.