Banks come with slew of initiatives

With several places inundated in the rains and ATMs running out dry in the city, public sector State Bank of India and private sector banks ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank have come out with slew of initiatives in making card related payments and in addressing ATM related issues.
State Bank of India in a statement said it had taken steps to ensure that a majority of the bank's branches work.
"Most of the ATMs in city are dispensing cash. ATMs which are not functioning are attended on priority basis," SBI said in a statement.
The bank is deploying mobile ATMs around the city dispensing cash while boats with ATMs are deployed in places which are marooned, it said.

Forty seven branches of the bank that were located in the rain affected areas would operate tomorrow (December 6).
HDFC Bank said it has "waived" charges for EMI and credit card related payments.

"We would like to inform our customers that the penalty for delay in EMI and card payments will be waived for November," the bank said in a statement.
ICICI Bank said it has decided not to impose any penalty on its Chennai customers for delay in EMI payments for November.
Besides, the bank will also waive charges for cheques bouncing for the same period, ICICI Bank spokesperson said.

Torrential downpour has caused havoc and great difficulty to people in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai and suburbs.
The Finance Ministry asked all banks to restore banking services in affected areas as early as possible and provide ATM and other services to the people round the clock.