TURA: The failure of SBI branches in different parts of Garo Hills to resume normal function since the abduction of its official from Gasuapara Branch recently has affected normal life in villages with mostly BPL families having to bear the brunt.
In Adokgre the closure of the only SBI branch in the area has brought life to a standstill with shopkeepers, government employees, beneficiaries of Government Schemes including farmers, all waiting in anticipation for the bank to open.
With hope that the situation might improve the Farmers’ Association of Adokgre in North Garo Hills has recently also submitted an appeal to the Assistant General Manager (AGM), Garo Hills Region, Nixon Josephs for the resumption of normal banking services in the region.
In its appeal the association pointed out that the there was minimum risk in opening the SBI branch in the region as the Meghalaya Police AD Camp is located just 40 metres from it. Besides, it also requested the appointment of additional manpower in the post of a clerk including the regular organization of financial management programmes as well as an account opening mela for the benefit and welfare of the farming community.
Meanwhile, several NGOs of Tikrikilla including the AIGU, FKJGP, AYWO, FAF and the AAYF recently met the Branch Manager of Tikrikilla SBI Branch with regard to the delayed opening of the bank.
In reply, the official informed that the security posted at the bank usually comes late for duty preventing the bank from opening on time.
Later, the NGOs also met the Officer in Charge of the Tikrikilla Police Station and requested him to depute the security for the bank on time.
A number of demands were also made which included the appointment of adequate staff, additional cash counters, token facility, provision of more ATMs, separate counter for pension holders and sanctioning of KCC loans for three days each week.