Tentulikhunti, 1st Sept 2025: Customers of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Tentulikhunti block, located in the Nabarangpur district, have expressed disappointment due to the closure of the local SBI branch every third Thursday of the month. This branch is the only one serving the surrounding areas, including Kalhandi and nearby villages. As a result, many customers who rely on this branch are facing significant inconvenience.
The situation is particularly troublesome on Thursdays, as the weekly market at Lamtaguda is held, and people from surrounding areas, including those in remote villages, come to purchase and sell goods. These customers also need to complete their banking transactions but are unable to do so due to the closure of the bank.
Customers were informed that the branch will remain closed on the second Thursday of each month, which has left many feeling frustrated. The bank’s decision to stop handling transactions of less than ₹20,000 has also added to the frustration, with many being redirected to kiosks for their services. However, these kiosks do not offer sufficient assistance, especially for illiterate customers, who are unable to understand or complete their banking tasks.
Additionally, customers have reported that they are unable to receive passbooks, which are crucial for keeping track of their transactions. Some customers have mentioned that it takes up to one or two months to receive their passbooks, and the bank has not provided a clear timeline for when this issue will be resolved.
This situation has raised concerns about how the bank is serving the local population, particularly tribal and illiterate individuals, who are struggling to access banking services through mobile apps and online platforms. There is a growing need to address these challenges, ensuring that all customers, regardless of their education level or access to technology, can benefit from essential banking services.
Leave a Reply