RANIKOR:
In a display of public concern, the Ranikor Branch of the State Bank of India faced scrutiny on October 10, 2023, as the non-governmental organisation AKHAF, led by its chief, Clivester Marak, conducted an on-site investigation. The primary aim of this inquiry was to address the pressing issues preventing the branch from adequately serving the diverse customer base within the district.
Reportedly, a prominent issue that came to light was the prolonged wait times that customers had to endure, with some individuals dedicating their entire day to standing in queues, only to leave empty-handed. The inefficiency in managing the bank’s operations became abundantly clear, with reports even surfacing about customers suffering injuries and requiring hospitalisation due to the overcrowded conditions.
Despite being responsible for approximately 150 villages in the area, the State Bank of India’s Ranikor Branch seemed ill-equipped to handle the increasing demand, lacking the necessary infrastructure. The branch’s classification as a “mini bank” was cited by its manager as the underlying cause of these deficiencies, highlighting the inherent challenges associated with serving a substantial customer base.
In response to these issues, Marak has fervently called for immediate government intervention from both the state of Meghalaya and the central government to expedite the necessary upgrades for this bank. He has also urged the senior leadership within the State Bank of India to give utmost attention to these concerns and work diligently towards providing efficient banking services to the community.