Banks asked to relax withdrawal norms for customers holding pension a/c

Bhubaneswar: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed the banks to allow customers having accounts to get pension or any social security benefit money to withdraw beyond the set limit of Rs 10,000 cash on a single day and Rs 20,000 in a week.

Talking to newsmen here today, RBI General Manager Sarada Prasanna Mohanty said "The apex bank has given instructions to the banks to allow account holders to receive pension or any social security benefit money beyond the set withdrawal limit after verifying documentary proof."

The RBI is supporting the Odisha government in all social  security measures of the State, he added.

"As directed by the Chief Minister in a bankers' meeting yesterday, the RBI will ensure people do not face difficulties in pension or social security payment and the regional head of the apex bank has also given full assurance to the State government regarding this," Mohanty said.

Replying to a query on shortage of currency notes in the State, Mohanty said, "Across Odisha, we have 120 chests to which we have already sent enough currency notes. Except Maoist areas, adequate Rs 100 and Rs 2000 notes are available in the State. Besides, we are monitoring the process so that all bank branches get the currency notes."

He added, "As directed by the chief minister during the meeting yesterday, the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) will take a decision on rolling out mobile vans soon."

Elaborating about the arrangements, Mohanty said, "The apex bank is in touch with business correspondent of all banks to help people get the currency notes."

The RBI Bhubaneswar has set up six counters including one for senior citizens and another for women to exchange currency notes and withdraw money.

Also read: Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes declared illegal

Meanwhile, ATMs at many places including the state capital here did not churn out cashes compounding miseries of people while long queues were witnessed at bank branches for the third consecutive day across the state.

Tourists and foreign nationals also faced the burnt of the Centre's demonetisation exercise.

The Department of Post, has decided to keep post offices in all states including Odisha open on Sunday.