Two days after the Supreme Court ruled all banks operating out of residential premises in Noida must move out, hundreds of account-holders on Wednesday thronged about 100 branches of various public and private banks and sought clarity on shifting plans and expressed worries about lurking transaction delays.
Despite deliberations, there was no word of assurance. Customers are particularly worried about the handling and safety of their valuables when the 15,000-odd lockers are shifted along with other bank assets.
While the lease-holders (landlords) on Wednesday began serving notices — 50% notices have been served - on banks, asking them to vacate their premises, banks passed the buck and told customers they were awaiting responses from their zonal offices.
People go for home and car loans on New Year eve, but most banks have put loan proposals on hold.
Hashim Malik, an architect and a customer with ING Vysa Bank in Sector 19, said, “Banks themselves don’t know what will happen next. The staff could not inspire confidence.” The relocation will compound the woes of about 5.5 lakh customers.
Sunil Kumar Jain, a customer with Vijaya Bank in the same sector, said, “In commercial sectors, we will have to pay for parking. The longer distances will consume more time.”
{{/usCountry}}Sunil Kumar Jain, a customer with Vijaya Bank in the same sector, said, “In commercial sectors, we will have to pay for parking. The longer distances will consume more time.”
{{/usCountry}}Kapilesh Pandey, a resident of Sector 19, said, “Till now we got services at a walking distance. Given the ever-worsening law and order situation in the city, it will be very difficult, especially for women, to leave homes and travel a long distance for banking work.”
Meanwhile, the Noida authority has no relocation plan yet. “We will tell the lease-holders to ensure these banks move out,” an official said.