RBI/2014-15/224
RPCD.CO.RCB.BC.28/07.51.010/2014-15

September 09, 2014

All State Co-operative Banks and Central Co-operative Banks

Dear Sir/Madam,

Need for Bank Branches / ATMs to be made
accessible to persons with disabilities

We have been receiving several suggestions from members of public through Government of India and otherwise, on facilitating easy access to bank branches and ATMs by persons with disabilities for undertaking day to day banking transactions. We have examined such suggestions. We advise that State / Central Co-operative Banks (StCBs / DCCBs) have to take necessary steps to provide all existing ATMs / future ATMs with ramps so that wheel chair users / persons with disabilities can easily access them. Care may also be taken to make arrangements in such a way that the height of the ATMs do not create an impediment in their use by wheelchair users. However, in cases where it is impracticable to provide such ramp facilities, whether permanently fixed to earth or otherwise, this requirement may be dispensed with, for reasons recorded and displayed in branches or ATMs concerned.

2. StCBs/DCCBs are also to take appropriate steps, including providing of ramps at the entrance of the bank branches, wherever feasible, so that the persons with disabilities/wheel chair users can enter bank branches and conduct business without difficulty. StCBs/DCCBs are advised to report the progress made in this regard periodically to their respective Customer Service Committee of the Board and ensure compliance.

3. It is advised that StCBs/DCCBs should make all new ATMs installed as talking ATMs with Braille keypads in future. StCBs/DCCBs should lay down a road map for converting all existing ATMs as talking ATMs with Braille keypads and the same may be reviewed from time to time by the Customer Service Committee of the Board.

4. In addition to the above, magnifying glasses should also be provided in all branches of StCBs/DCCBs for the use of persons with low vision, wherever they require for carrying out banking transactions with ease. The branches should display at a prominent place notice about the availability of magnifying glasses and other facilities available for persons with disabilities.

Yours faithfully,

(A. Udgata)
Principal Chief General Manager