The banking regulator, Lok Pal of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had received over 3,900 complaints, most of them related to ATMs against both private and public sector banks functioning in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. The banks included SBI, PNB, HDFC, and ICICI in most cases, said Ashok Kumar, AGM, RBI. Bank customers lodged complaints with the RBI Lok Pal, Chandigarh, after erring banks did not take remedial measures. But customers in Himachal had little awareness about the banking Lok Pal as 98 per cent complaints were lodged by customers in Punjab, Chandigarh and three district of Haryana covered under the Lokpal in the region, said the AGM.
These facts came to light here as the RBI Lokpal has staged an exhibition at the Kullu Dasehra ground to create awareness among people of the state. “We have put the exhibition last year here as well to create awareness about the Lok Pal and how to get redressal of complaints against erring banks,” said Ashok, who is handling the exhibition here. He said most complaints related to the ATM withdrawals. The amount was debited from customer’s bank account even when cash was not dispensed by the ATM. In such case, dispute arose when two banks were involved — the account holder bank and the ATM withdrawal bank — he added.
Ashok said bank account holders should know that the Lok Pal entertained complaint against a bank if a customer was account holder of a bank concerned and had apprised the bank about the complaint. A customer could file a complaint with the Lok Pal and await its redressal within one month, he added. He said more than 95 per cent complaints had been redressed by the Lok Pal. “If the Lok Pal does not redress the complaint in time, the customer can lodge an appeal before the RBI Deputy Governor to get justice,” he added. He said, “The RBI imposes fine on erring banks and orders repayment of amount along with the penalty as provided under the provisions of the Lok Pal.”
The Tribune
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