Specialized service to senior citizens and differently abled persons

RBI asked banks to provide specialized service to senior citizens and differently-abled persons through dedicated counters and doorstep banking as against the backdrop of banks pushing digital transactions through alternative channels, have to be implemented by December 31, 2017. The Banks have also been asked to upload into their core banking systems ‘Life Certificates’ submitted by pensioners in any branch and not just the pension-paying branch.

In a circular to all banks, the RBI said that it has received complaints from this group of persons about being discouraged from availing banking facilities in branches. “Notwithstanding the need to push digital transactions and use of ATMs, it is imperative to be sensitive to the requirements of senior citizens and differently abled persons,” the circular said. It, however, did not mention whether banks will be allowed to charge extra for the doorstep banking services.