Sharp increase of complaints in Banking matters in NE

Shillong, Jul 20 (UNI) There has been a sharp increase in the number of complaints on Bank-related matters in the Northeast, said Banking Ombudsman in-charge North East PK Dutta here today.

The number of complaints had increased by over 40 per cent in the last one year, he said while interacting with Bankers and investors at an awareness programme on Banking Ombudsman.

However, Mr Dutta made it clear that the number of complaints was not a ''cause of concern'' as Banking system could only benefit from such drawbacks.

Mr Dutta informed that out of the 175 complaints lodged, 69 cases remained pending which he said would be sorted out soon.

'' The clearance of number cases has proved that the people in the region now are aware of the forum of Ombudsman to seek redressal of their grievances, '' the Banking Ombudsman official said.

Mr Dutta, touring the entire region to explain the salient features of the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006, also admitted ''chances of error in Banking operations'' due to many Banking operations in the country.

He said State Bank of India alone run 9000 branches in 29 states of the country with other Banks extending their bases.

The Banking Ombudsman receives and considers any complaint relating to deficiencies in Banking services.

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme started in 1995 and since then the scheme had been modified and improved in 2002 and then in 2006.

The new scheme came to force in January, 2006.

All Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Primary Co-operative Banks are covered under the scheme.

UNI RRK SJC RN1730