Paucity of ATM kiosks beleaguers WKH locals

NONGSTOIN, June 17: Airing concern over the incessant banking-related issues faced by locals in West Khasi Hills, the United Hynniewtrep Movement (UHM) has asked banking institutions to set up ATM kiosks at multiple places.
Contending that doing the same will provide hassle-free banking services to the people of Mawthadraishan, Mawshynrut, Shallang, Kynshi and Markasa, the district unit of UHM urged the State Bank of India, Meghalaya Rural Bank and Punjab National Bank to abate the everyday banking woes of people.
It also said that owing to the current demography in the district, the number of bank customers has also witnessed a rise.
Voicing concern, UHM general secretary Rekon Thabah informed that locals queue outside the banks, even before they are open for the public, for minor transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits.
There are times when some people who are a bit late have to return home without getting their work done, he rued.
It was also discerned that while residents from Riangdo had to travel to Nongstoin for minor transactions, locals from Markasa or Kynshi, on the other hand, would travel to Nongstoin and Mairang to get their transactions done.
“Coupled with this, those residents also face the hassle of standing in queue for a long time at the ATM booths,” Thabah said, seeking an immediate intervention from the banks concerned.