DIMAPUR, MAY 14 (MExN): The VDB Association of Aboi Sub-Division has written to the Assistant Manager of the State Bank of India (SBI) regional business office, Mokokchung, seeking the deployment of a permanent branch manager and adequate staff strength at the SBI Aboi branch immediately.
A press note from the association informed that there are three RD Blocks under Aboi Sub-Division namely—Aboi, Chen and Angjangyang. “As per the guidelines of the Government, under MGNREGA the beneficiaries are supposed to open individual savings bank accounts with any nationalized banks because DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) has been introduced by the Government,” it added.
However, the association stated that thus far, the MGNREGA beneficiaries of Aboi Sub-Division are facing untold hardship and inconveniences due to lack of a full time (permanent) branch manager for the last three months since February 2019; no full-time accountant ever since the inception of the bank; and shortage of staff.
It informed that opening of new accounts for approximately 350 persons under Angjangyang RD Block have been held up. Further, more than 800 beneficiaries from Aboi Block are waiting for opening of new accounts. The association added that till April 30, 2019, only 37 persons could open their bank accounts through Customer Service Points (CSP) out of 577 applicants from Aboi Block.
“If the bank continues to run at this trend it will become more of a hindrance than a blessing for the populace of the Sub-Division,” it stated. The association therefore urged deployment of a full-time branch manager and adequate strength of staff at SBI Aboi within May 2019, to enable the MGNREGA beneficiaries to open their bank accounts and receive their pass books in time, failing which the SBI Regional Business Office will be held responsible if the funds lapse.
