The gruesome attack on a woman customer at the ATM in Bangalore should be a wake-up call for the government. That the ATM did not have any security arrangement is a glaring instance of the lack of sensitivity on the part of the banking system. Common sense would suggest that since ATMs carry cash they will always be the target of criminals. As a result of credit cards, debit cards, online banking and ATMs most of the transactions are taking place away from branches, saving costs for banks. But bank charges have been going up. Banks can certainly afford to allot security staff at ATMs. If they are still avaricious then they can charge a flat rate of Rs 5 on each ATM transaction. Also, is there really a need to keep ATMs open during the night? How many people would go to an ATM in the middle of the night unless it is a case of, say, a medical emergency? Banks can study the data available on transactions during night. ATMs can be closed from 9 p m to 5 a m with alarm systems. A few centrally-located ATMs only should be kept open during the night in case of emergencies.
A Seshan Mumbai
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