HUBBALLI: Thanks to the demonetisation move, standing in serpentine queues outside banks has now become a part of their lives for the rural population of Hubballi and Kalghatgi taluk.
Owing to cash drought in Adargunchi village, the people here go all the way to Hubballi, which is 8km away, to withdraw cash from banks. The only ATM in Adargunchi village has been defunct since November 8 — the day the demonetisation move came into effect.
Corporation Bank, the only bank in the village, has close to 6,000 accounts. It caters to villagers from Ramanal, Gangihal, Chavargudda, Channapur and Timmasagar. Every day, around 200 people from nearby villages, including Adargunchi, visit the branch to deposit or withdraw cash.
When Express visited this branch, people said that they have been standing in long queues for hours. “I am here to withdraw `4,000 from my account. But this rush is nothing compared to the morning hours,” said Muttu Itigatti, who runs a flour mill in the village.
However, bank manager Madhavi claims that all is well with the branch as it is receiving enough money. When asked about the defunct ATM, she said the machine is yet to be recalibrated.
Bank runs out of cash
The situation is not any better in Mishrikoti village. In order to discourage people from visiting the Karnataka Grameena Vikas Bank, the employees have put up a board stating that they are out of cash.
Assistant Manager of the branch S B Kulkarni said the board was displayed immediately after the demonetisation move and it continues to remain there. Villagers complained that the branch has not been receiving any money and therefore cash was not being dispensed.
Kulkarni said, “We used to get money from the currency chest of Vijaya Bank. But after demonetisation, we rarely get any money from there. Every day, one staff member has to go either to Sirsi or to Kumuta to get `3 lakh. The branch has some 10,000 accounts and every day we need at least `15 lakh.”
Veerappa Shettannavar, a villager, said, “If you need cash from the bank, you have to reach the branch before 10am. If you are delayed by even half an hour, you will return empty-handed. I have a naming ceremony at my home and am waiting to withdraw some cash. I am not sure if I will get the money today.”