At a time where the whole world is affected by the novel Coronavirus pandemic, the Government of India is taking all the stern measures to save the country and its citizens from the deadly virus which has already claimed the lives of almost 19,000 people globally. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told us that a nationwide lockdown will be implemented for 21 days which started from midnight of 24th and 25th March.
Now knowing that people would be in a dire need of cash or would need to use the ATMs or of many other reasons. India’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), has shared tips that bank customers should follow while using an ATM.
In a tweet, SBI said, “Keep your transactions safe and yourself safer. Practice these safety tips and stop Coronavirus from spreading”.
The precautions, as mentioned by SBI, one should follow while using an ATM are:
1) Avoid using the ATM room, if it’s already in use.
2) Always stay sanitized
3) Avoid touching areas in the ATM room
4) Avoid using ATMs, if you are suffering from flu
5) Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a handkerchief while sneezing or coughing
6) Avoid disposing used tissue papers and masks inside an ATM lobby
7) Use SBI’s digital platforms like YONO, INB, BHIM, SBI, etc for the non-cash related transactions.
Keep your transactions safe and yourself safer. Practice these safety tips and stop Coronavirus from spreading.#StateBankOfIndia #SBI #Coronavirus #COVID19 #ATMTips pic.twitter.com/wIIQyqOFln
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) March 23, 2020
On Tuesday, Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman said that there will be no charge on minimum balance for the saving bank accounts and added that for 3 months withdrawals from any bank’s ATM will be free.
Also Read: Coronavirus Pandemic: Union Finance Minister Announces Relief Package
On Monday, the State Bank of India committed 0.25% of its yearly profits of the Financial Year (FY) 2019-20 to combat the Coronavirus situation in India.
In a statement, SBI said, “The fund used to fight COVID-19 pandemic will be spent from CSR funds. This is in line with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ notification of spending CSR funds for COVID-19 as an eligible CSR activity,”.
SBI has introduced a One Time Password (OTP) based cash withdrawal system for its ATMs keeping in mind the increase in the frauds related to ATMs. The OTP based ATM cash withdrawal has been implemented into the system since the 1st of January 2020.
This facility will be available for transaction above Rs. 10,000 but only between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
Also Read: 7 Most Common Reasons For Personal Loan Rejection
