What changed
RBI issued a circular on April 29, 2009, mandating that UCBs take steps to make bank branches and ATMs accessible to persons with disabilities. Banks must provide ramps at branch entrances and ATMs, and ensure ATM heights are suitable for wheelchair users. Additionally, at least one-third of new ATMs must be talking ATMs with Braille keypads, strategically placed to cover each locality.
What it means for you
UCBs must now invest in physical infrastructure modifications like ramps and accessible ATM designs to comply with disability access norms. This will require capital expenditure for retrofitting existing ATMs and branches, and for procuring talking ATMs with Braille features. Banks also need to coordinate with other banks to ensure at least one talking ATM per locality, which may involve sharing location data.
What you must do
- Conduct an audit of all existing branches and ATMs to identify gaps in accessibility for wheelchair users and visually impaired persons.
- Install ramps at branch entrances and at all existing and future ATMs, and adjust ATM heights to be wheelchair-friendly.
- Ensure that at least one-third of all new ATMs installed are talking ATMs with Braille keypads, and place them strategically to cover each locality.
- Coordinate with other banks in your area to avoid duplication and ensure at least one talking ATM per locality.
- Notify visually impaired customers about the locations of talking ATMs through appropriate channels.
Who it affects
All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, Branch operations teams, ATM deployment and maintenance teams, Customer service and communication teams
Does this circular apply to existing ATMs or only new ones?
It applies to both: banks must provide ramps at all existing ATMs and future ATMs, and ensure ATM heights are suitable for wheelchair users. For new ATMs, at least one-third must be talking ATMs with Braille keypads.
What is meant by 'strategically placed' for talking ATMs?
Banks should place talking ATMs with Braille keypads in consultation with other banks to ensure that at least one such ATM is generally available in each locality, avoiding overlap and maximizing coverage for visually impaired customers.
Do we need to inform customers about talking ATM locations?
Yes, the circular explicitly states that banks should bring the locations of such talking ATMs to the notice of their visually impaired customers.