SBI operations back to normal though glitches remain

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) The operations in SBI branches were back to normal, barring a few glitches, today after a week-long strike by the bank employees over revision of pension was called off last night.

A heavy rush was seen at several branches as well as the ATMs as people made a beeline to withdraw cash and carry out other transactions. The situation normalised as the day progressed with the staff having been geared up for the initial rush.

''Though there was a predictable rush of people in the morning in many branches of the bank. The staff was aware of the huge backlog but they worked with immense efficiency and the situation was back to normal with no long queues being seen in any of the branches,''All India SBI Staff Federation vice-president V K Gupta said.

SBI sources said all the ATMs were equipped with the requisite cash early this morning so as to avoid inconvenience to the customers.

Also, the entire staff of the bank worked to their full capacity to provide adequate service, they said.

As there were complaints of lack of full network connectivity at certain branches of the bank and ATMs, people faced difficulty in withdrawing cash.

However, Mr Gupta said employees will do everything possible to restore the damage caused to the bank's image.

''The employees of the SBI are known for their efficiency and at times have worked for the whole day and night, if the need so arises,''he said.

The week-long strike by staff and Officer's Federations of the SBI was called off last night following successful talks on the pension issue with the Government.

''The pension matter is settled,'' Mr Gupta added.

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