Imphal, September 16, 2010: Village authorities and social organisations of Mao area have demanded that the UBI branch at Mao be shifted to a more convenient location and its services improved along providing necessary facilities and posting adequate staff.

In a memorandum submitted to the General Manager of UBI, Guwahati, these village authorities and social organisations lamented that since the opening of the bank branch at Old SDC office near Mao gate on June 18, 1977, there has been no improvement in the infrastructure nor has it shown any pro-active involvement in delivering service to the people.

The building from where the bank is being operated today is in such a debilitated condition that it needs to be shifted to a letter location in the commercial area of the town.

It is said that at present, the branch is being manned by the Branch Manager along with one officer and a cashier.

The memorandum signed jointly by general secretary of Pfonemei Association Ashihrii Besii; president of Mao Town Committee L Adahrii; chairman of Kalinamei Village Authority M Kholi; chairman of Rabunamei Village Authority L Ashikho; chairman of Phikomei Village Authority D Sani; president of Business Association, Mao Gate H Ashuli; chairman of Songsong Village Authority M Chache and chairman of Kayinu Village Authority D Nikhini recalled that when CRM UBI Cachar Region AK Sen made a maiden visit top Mao on November 10, 2009, various community leaders and businessmen of the area put before him a number of grievances and suggestion including the need to shift the bank branch nearer to the main road (NH-39) for better service and boost the business potentials.

The community leaders and businessmen have also assured that the visiting CRM of all co-operation and help required for the growth and smooth functioning of the bank branch.

Though the CRM had also given a number of commitments, none of the commitments have been implemented till date with exception to installation of CBS and addition of one more officer.

However, with poor satellite connectivity, installation of CBS has become a joke as the services being provided by the bank slowed down its operations, causing more delays and problems to its customers, the memorandum pointed out.

It further said that at the request of the community leaders one Ch Lokho of Kayinu, Mao Gate had offered his building located along NH-30 for the bank in the event of its shifting.

However, expect for the initial discussion, the bank authorities have not taken up any initiatives in this regard.

The visit of CRM had raised hope in the minds of the people that a positive change may come.

But the bank remained closed during May 4 and June 8, 2010 without giving any notice.

It is surprising that such a service institution should neglect its customers for so long, the memorandum observed.

The memorandum demanded that along with shifting the bank to a more convenient location and posting adequate staff, better services including facility for ATM, RTGS, SWIFT, loan and other credit facilities to the farmers, employees, small businessmen, small and medium enterprises and education loans to students be provided.

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