Cash crisis hits ATM services in Bhimavaram

Bhimavaram: People in rural areas, particularly farmers, have been facing cash crisis as almost all ATMs stopped working. While a majority of ATMs are closed, others flash ‘No Cash’ notices.

The farmers who direly need money to start farming activity are the worst hit because of closure of ATMs. During harvest, the farmers had deposited their earnings in banks. 

When they try now to get cash to invest for khariff season, the bankers are not in a position to issue cash to them.

During the past 10 days, the farmers have been approaching branches of the banks to withdraw cash. Even the fate of aqua farmers is also the same. 

They have been making frequent visits to the branches to get their money in instalments as bankers failed to arrange the money required by the farming community. 

This was leading to obstruction in starting agricultural activity in villages. In fact, functioning of ATMs in rural areas become headache for the farmers and others for one-and-a-half years. 

The banks which have been facing shortage of cash, also stopped making available enough cash in ATMs for a long time.

Sadly, farmers who are supposed to get income from paddy sale from banks have been finding it difficult to draw their hard-earned money. The rush of farmers at bank branches shows seriousness of the problem.

The aqua farmers who had to sell their produce under unfavourable weather conditions also deposited their money in banks. Now, they want money to invest again. 

However, the banks have not made any attempts either to keep cash in ATMs or pay at the branches without delays.      
 
During marriage season also, the people criticised the poor services of banks in arranging for cash to meet their demand.