Despite queues banking looks controlled in Noida

NOIDA: There was no respite in queues on the eleventh day of demonetisation despite banking being restricted to senior citizens and account holders only on Saturday. Most banks are closed by 3 pm even as currency crunch remained the bone of contention. Only deposits and withdrawals were entertained. Also, most ATMs including those of HDFC, ICICI, Canara Bank, PNB, Axis Bank and Corporation Bank etc.emptied within early hours of Saturday morning.
It's been third day of no service at ICICI ATM and two days of no service at HDFC ATM in Sector 12. Limited amount of cash was available at IndusInd and Axis banks. "It's horrible to keep people in long queue endlessly, especially senior citizens," said Rajieev Goyal.
However, those in need of cash were still standing in front of the many ATMs at Mamura Chowk Sector 66 and Sector 63 in the hope that it'll be replenished soon. "There was some cash till early morning in some ATMs which finished within hours," said Ashish Kumar who returned after waiting in queue for over two hours.
"Cash came early today by 11 am, but it was again limited to Rs 15-20 lakh per branch which was distributed as per branch volumes and size. ATMs too have reconciled, but because there is a shortage of adequate currency, the money had to be rationalised," said a senior HDFC bank manager who though alleged that the bank suffered most due to in-house petty management of individual portfolios.
"Most staff was seen catering to and promoting the interests of their individual portfolios/premier customers, making public suffers in queue. This was not the case in other banks who had adhered to calling such customers by appointment," said a HDFC senior manager on conditions of anonymity.
According to the manager, while premier and imperia customers were entertained privately, senior citizens could withdraw up to Rs 24,000 on Saturday. But by the end of the day, the amount was reduced as per cash available. "Be it senior citizen of account holder, the situation was same as any other day," said the senior manager.
HDFC further is not giving large amounts such as Rs 2.5 lakh for weddings, claiming they have not got any circular from RBI on the same. However, sources claim that the moneyed and the influential are exempted from this rule.
According to A K Chakraborty, resident of Noida, Syndicate Bank at Shopprix Mall Sector 61 allowed withdrawal of Rs 2000 only against own account. "While no cash exchange was allowed from first day of demonetisation, customers stood in long queues on regular basis," said Chakraborty.
With no sign of situation easing, tempers have flared amidst slightest provocations. While bank employees are largely bearing the brunt of this angst, it's the frontline staff such as tellers, cashiers and junior managers who are most stressed lot. "Our tellers have not had the time to take breaks for restrooms even. tea, coffee or lunch breaks are unthinkable as they are managing these on their seats only. Except for Nov 14, which was a designated off, we are all working continuously putting long ours," said a senior manager from HDFC bank. Banks will remain closed on Sunday on account of weekly off.