BSNL & SBI reach out to customers amid lockdown

SHILLONG: Amid lockdown, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is continuing to function with field staff and many officials are attending office to provide uninterrupted service to its customers.
Chief General Manager of BSNL, B. Chandra Sekhar told The Shillong Times on Wednesday that despite the constrains, the BSNL is committed to provide service to the people.
Sekhar said that masks and sanitisers are supplied to all the staff of the office, while the company is also contemplating to supply masks to the customers as well, he added.
“There is no salary cut and even our security personnel are also getting their salaries in time”, he said.
The official also informed that following lockdown, customers can pay their bills online through the BSNL app, while extension is given to those who cannot pay through the app.
“We will not charge late fee as well and there will not be any call barring”, he added.
He said though there is no disruption to the internet service provided by the BSNL, insufficient supply of fibers and other materials during the lockdown is a cause for concern.
Bank initiatives
The main branch of State Bank of India in the city is taking measures to ensure that its customers are served better and faster during the lockdown.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, a senior official said the problem of prolonged lunch break by front office employees has been taken up and a staggered lunch break will be introduced to reduce customers’ waiting period.
“I believe every customer deserves the best and hassle-free service and I see to it that it happens. Whenever there is a problem in customer service, I take it up with my staff immediately,” said the official.
The SBI branch is working with full manpower and following all safety guidelines. Masks and sanitisers have been provided to the employees and there is thermal screening at the gate. The number of customers has been restricted to four or five.
“Our staff handling currency notes are the most vulnerable because we do not know from where the infection will come. This is the reason why we are encouraging customers to use the digital platform. In fact, for withdrawal of money too, one need not swipe the card but can use the Yono app,” said the official.
Zero balance account
SBI is offering relaxations for customers keeping in line with the Centre’s notifications, For instance, all accounts have been made no-frill, which means that account-holders need not have to maintain the minimum amount of Rs 3,000.
Also, the bank has waived payments of premium for its life insurance schemes for March, April, May and June.
“There are plans to introduce schemes which will be beneficial to our customers,” the official informed.