PNB to open self service counters in 500 branches by Mar 2013

At the multi-function kiosks one can deposit cash or cheque, print passbook and get cash round the clock

Public sector Punjab National Bank is aiming to set up 24-hour multi function self service counters at its 500 branches by March 2013, a top official of the bank today said.

At the multi-function kiosks or E-lobbies, one can deposit cash or cheque,  print passbook and get cash round the clock, Bank Chairman and Managing Director K R Kamath told reporters here.

"We are totally revamping branch operations with self service counters for our customers. We are not competing with banks but are competing with service industry. We have enlarged our competition", he said, adding, such counters would ensure that the customers do not have to wait. The counters would be set up in banks having huge customer footfalls, he said.

About 50% of the customers come to the bank for depositing cash, cheques, passbook updating and cash withdrawls.

The bank was targetting a business of Rs 10,000 crore from Kerala by march next year, he said.

Nine new branches opened in Kerala will have the self service counters.