Sr Citizens No Longer Required to Visit Banks Personally
Senior citizens, individuals facing illnesses, and persons with disabilities (Divyangs) who are unable to physically visit banks no longer need to do so to perform financial transactions. The State Government has introduced a system enabling such individuals to conduct banking operations at their doorsteps.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has consistently urged banks to prioritize services for senior citizens and pensioners, aiming to streamline banking procedures for these customers. This policy of prioritization by the RBI extends to individuals with physical disabilities as well.
The State Finance Department has released a Government Resolution (GR) directing banks to offer specific facilities to senior citizens. These include the provision of joint bank accounts, the appointment of guardians to manage banking affairs, and assistance for signing cheques. In cases where senior citizens are unable to sign, their thumb impression should be accepted as a valid signature.
Under the present working system, pensions for retired employees are credited to their individual bank accounts, from which they withdraw money as required. However, elderly individuals with health issues may face challenges in managing their bank operations. The Government Resolution (GR) makes it clear that if a person who have lost their physical capabilities should be allowed to open joint account with the spouse. In cases where they are unable to visit the bank, sign documents, or provide thumb impressions, then in presence of a Bank Officer and a person known to the bank conducts the process like taking the thumb impression of his/her toe.
The bank operations of the senior citizen or the differently abled persons can be done only through the officers of that bank where the person concerned has his/her account. The information of the person who will withdraw the amount from the account of that retired person should be provided to the bank through two witnesses.