Dry ATMs: Parliamentary panel nudges RBI to fix the problem
New Delhi, Jan 6 : A parliamentary panel has asked the Reserve Bank to address the problem of perpetually dysfunctional ATMs so as to avoid any situation of forced cash crunch.
The Standing Committee on Finance has also asked banks to install adequate number of ATMs. The panel tabled its report in Parliament last week.
As per a data of RBI, there were 2,21,492 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the country as at September-end 2018.
These include 1,43,844 ATMs of public sector banks, 59,645 ATMs of private banks and 18,003 of foreign banks, payments banks, small fiance banks and White Label ATMs (WLAs), which are owned and operated by non-bank entities.
"As digital transactions have not become anywhere near universal, the committee would urge upon RBI to pursue the lingering problem of dysfunctionality as well as shortage of ATMs vigorously with banks, while ensuring the economic viability of ATMs for all stakeholders, so that a forced cash crunch is not imposed on the public," the report said.
The panel headed by senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily also noted that RBI's remonetisation drive has not augmented/resolved the cash supply to ATMs in rural/semi-urban areas, forcing shutdown of many ATMs.
The committee has expressed concern that "there are just not enough" ATMs being installed or added to cater to the rising demand for cash in an expanding economy, even as more and more debit cards are being issued and large number of Jan Dhan accounts opened by banks.
ATMs have become an important channel for withdrawing money even after the close of banking hours. Digital transactions are also catching up.
Besides ATMs, basic banking services are provided by business correspondents through their micro ATMs.
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Accused in Hubbali Anjali murder case arrested in Davangere
Hubli: The Hubbali-Dharwad Police Commissioner, Renuka Sukumar, has informed that the accused involved in the brutal murder of Anjali Ambigera has been arrested.
Vishwa alias Girish Sawant, the prime suspect in the Anjali Ambigera murder, was arrested in Davangere late Thursday night.
Sawant, attempting to flee from Mysuru via the Goa-Maharashtra train was struck by bad luck as he fell from the moving train at around 11:30 PM. He sustained grave injuries and was rushed to Chigateri Hospital in Davangere by Railway Police. Subsequently, Davangere police identified Sawant and notified the Hubbali police. The Hubbali police took custody of him at around 4:30 AM and admitted him to a hospital in the city.
Reports indicate Sawant faced assault from a fellow passenger allegedly for his misconduct during the journey, possibly contributing to his fall. However, official details regarding the circumstances leading to his fall remain undisclosed. Commissioner Sukumar mentioned Sawant's current inability to provide a statement due to severe head and facial injuries.
Anjali was brutally stabbed in Hubbali two days back while she was asleep allegedly for rejecting the love proposal of the accused man.
