What changed
RBI reiterated and strengthened earlier 2009 guidelines on accessibility for persons with disabilities. New ATMs from July 1, 2014 must all be talking ATMs with Braille keypads, not just one-third. RRBs must also provide magnifying glasses at branches and display notices about available facilities.
What it means for you
RRBs face tighter compliance on accessibility infrastructure, with no room to delay talking ATM conversions. Non-compliance could invite regulatory scrutiny. Banks must budget for ramps, talking ATMs, and magnifying glasses, and report progress to their Customer Service Committee.
What you must do
- Install ramps at all existing and future ATMs and branch entrances, or document and display reasons if impracticable.
- Ensure all new ATMs installed from July 1, 2014 are talking ATMs with Braille keypads.
- Create a roadmap to convert all existing ATMs to talking ATMs with Braille keypads and review progress via the Customer Service Committee.
- Provide magnifying glasses at all branches for low-vision customers and display a notice about available facilities.
- Report accessibility compliance progress periodically to the Customer Service Committee of the Board.
Who it affects
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Branch managers and operations teams, ATM deployment and maintenance teams, Customer service committees of RRB boards
What if it's not feasible to install a ramp at an ATM or branch?
If ramp installation is impracticable, you must record the reasons and display them at the branch or ATM concerned. This dispensation must be documented.
Do we need to convert all existing ATMs to talking ATMs immediately?
No immediate deadline for existing ATMs, but you must lay down a roadmap for conversion and review it periodically with the Customer Service Committee. All new ATMs from July 1, 2014 must be talking ATMs with Braille keypads.
What facilities must we provide for low-vision customers at branches?
You must provide magnifying glasses at all branches and display a prominent notice about their availability and other facilities for persons with disabilities.