NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Monday said that all banks are ensuring that their branches are open, ATMs filed up and working. She also lauded the efforts of the bankers who are doing their best during the 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of novel coronavirus in our country.
“All banks are ensuring that their branches are kept open, ATMs filled up & are working. Banking correspondents are active,” Nirmala Sitharaman said in a tweet. She further added that social distancing is maintained and sanitizers are provided. “Social distancing is respected & sanitizers are provided where necessary. Just in case, any assistance/clarification is required contact DFSFightsCorona,” her tweet read.
The Finance Minister on Saturday had an extensive discussions with the heads of banks who assured of customers services without disruption and keeping all branches open. She had asked them to maintain adequate liquidity in the branch, ATM and at banking correspondent level amid coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nation-wide lockdown till 14 April. However, essential services are exempted. Banking is classified as an essential service. Banks, therefore, have to keep their branches open during the lockdown. Most banking transactions have moved digital. SBI has staggered working hours to maintain social distancing in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Several banks like HDFC, ICICI, Standard Chartered, Syndicate Bank, Indian Bank and others have revised their operating times and suspended non-essential banking services because of the rising novel coronavirus cases in the country.
—Agencies

Press Trust of India