UCO Bank has inaugurated a branch in Shani Shinganapur in Maharashtra that does not have any lock. This branch is first of kind in the country. However some have to say that it is a breach of the guidelines laid by RBI for the safety of money deposited in the banks. Due to the rise in the bank robberies center has made hi–tech security mandatory for all the banks in the country.
A senior bank official said “We took note of the general belief and faith of the people. Ever since the most revered temple came into existence several years ago, the village has not witnessed a single crime. In fact, all houses in the entire village have no doors. We took the risk and started the lockless bank a week ago,”
Local NCP Legislator started with the basic proceeding when he approached various banks with a request to open branch at Shani Shiganapur but most of them refused the proposal due to the security concerns. But then finally UCO Bank agreed to open a branch there. Before opening the branch the bank conducted a survey.
The Legislator said “All houses here have no doors. We are following a more or less similar practice. Our branch has doors, but they will never be locked. Adequate precautions are being taken for the safety of lockers and important documents ,”
However the local cops are not very happy with the development in the town, as they are saying that the bank has violated the norms of the centre. A senior police official said, “In view of increasing bank robberies, the Centre has made it mandatory for all banks to provide state of-the-art security. If a bank opens a lockless branch, it amounts to a breach of conditions . We will take it up with the DGP and RBI.”
