The Hindu Business Line : `PSBs now more sensitive to customer plaints'

Customer complaints against public sector banks include faulty transactions through ATMs, cheque and drafts, and refusal to grant educational and agri loans. This was part of the observations made by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice.

Addressing the press in Mumbai, Mr E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, chairman of the committee said, "While there are public grievances against public sector banks, we do find that banks are sensitive now. This is because they have to compete with private banks and therefore have become more dynamic."

The committee met the chiefs and employee unions of public sector banks and other public sector organisations to discuss the importance and need for a public redressal cell.

One of the committee's suggestions is to have a single officer as an interface between the public and the organisation. "Banks should have a humane approach," Mr Natchiappan said.

Another issue the committee will discuss with the government is that of compassionate appointment. While certain PSUs do offer it, most banks have done away with it following a Supreme Court judgment in 1994. Bank unions too have been demanding appointment on compassionate ground and the IBA is discussing the matter with the government.

"We are reviewing the situation and will inform the government," Mr Natchiappan said.

The committee will next hold a two-day sitting in Chennai and later in Hyderabad.

More Stories on : Consumerism | Customer Relationship Management

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page