Shortage of cash, staff and ATM facilities leave customers struggling at SBI and MRB branches
Nongpoh, August 31: Residents in the western part of Ri Bhoi district, particularly the Patharkhmah area, continue to face difficulties accessing basic banking services, with the problems reportedly persisting for several years.
The main concerns raised by residents include inadequate cash availability at banks, shortage of staff and the lack of sufficient ATM facilities. The two banks serving the area are the State Bank of India (SBI), Patharkhmah Branch, and Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB), Patharkhmah Branch.
Residents said they often face difficulties withdrawing money because of insufficient cash at the branches. The shortage of staff has also affected the delivery of services, particularly when large numbers of customers visit the banks.
Another major concern is the availability of ATM facilities. The area reportedly has only one ATM, which residents say frequently fails to provide reliable service, leaving people with limited options for withdrawing cash.
Against this backdrop, leaders of villages in West Ri Bhoi, led by Patharkhmah Rangbah Shnong Bah Petalman Thangkhiew, along with members of the public, met officials of both banks on Monday.
The delegation submitted written representations to the branch managers of SBI and MRB, highlighting the difficulties faced by residents and seeking improvements in banking services.
Speaking after the meetings, Thangkhiew said people in the area had been facing the problems for several years, particularly because of the shortage of staff at both SBI and MRB branches.
He also pointed to inadequate cash availability in the western Ri Bhoi region, saying residents frequently struggle to withdraw money as the cash reaching the branches is insufficient to meet the needs of customers.
Thangkhiew further said the absence of adequate ATM facilities has compounded the problem, with only one ATM serving the wider West Ri Bhoi area.
He urged the concerned banking authorities to take the grievances seriously and improve cash availability, strengthen staffing and provide additional reliable ATM facilities so that residents are able to access essential banking services without having to travel long distances or face prolonged inconvenience.
