Union Bank of India would install 100 ‘talking’ automated teller machines (ATMs) this financial year to enable the visually challenged to carry out ATM transactions.
On Saturday, the public sector lender inaugurated its second talking ATM in Thane. The first such ATM was set up on June 6 at the Blind People’s Association campus in Ahmedabad The bank would open 50 such ATMs at Passport Seva Kendras across country.
The talking ATM provides transaction facilities based on voice guidance. The guidance is available in English and Hindi, both in Indian accents. For first-time users, the bank has also provided a short orientation script.
In 2008-09, the Reserve Bank of India had directed all banks to ensure at least one-third of all new ATMs were accessible to the visually impaired, through voice guidance and Braille keypads.
As of today, Union Bank of India has 4,145 ATMs. By March, 2013, it plans to raise this number to 5,000.