Coronavirus: Finance ministry asks banks to ensure liquidity flow, smooth operations
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In a series of tweets, the office of Sitharaman said that she spoke to chiefs of public sector banks and representatives of private banks on Saturday.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday asked public and private sector banks to ensure uninterrupted banking operations and flow of liquidity — in order to ensure there is least negative impact of the coronavirus lockdown on the economy.
In a series of tweets, the office of Sitharaman said that she spoke to chiefs of public sector banks and representatives of private banks on Saturday.
"The FM acknowledged the role of public sector banks and encouraged them to keep up their efforts in providing uninterrupted banking services across the country. #IndiaFightsCorona," it said, in a tweet.
The FM acknowledged the role of public sector banks and encouraged them to keep up their efforts in providing uninterrupted banking services across the country. #IndiaFightsCorona
— NSitharamanOffice (@nsitharamanoffc) March 28, 2020
She also asked the PSB chiefs to make sure there was adequate liquidity at the branches, ATMs and banking correspondent level.
Had a detailed conversation with chiefs of Banks-public& private. Encouraging to know that they are doing their best, even during the lockdown. They are certain that they’ll ensure customer service without disruption. Social distancing is being adhered to as well. @PIB_India
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 28, 2020
The finance minister’s office also said that Sitharaman held calls with the representatives of private sector banks and requested them to ensure uninterrupted banking services along with maintenance of social distancing.
Finance Minister Smt @nsitharaman also held calls with the representatives of private sector banks and requested them to ensure uninterrupted banking services are provided across the country while maintaining social distancing norms. @udaykotak @adityapuri
— NSitharamanOffice (@nsitharamanoffc) March 28, 2020
Sitharaman also tweeted that she spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh regarding the difficulties faced by banks in the state.
"Spoke to Hon. CM of Punjab @capt_amarinder on the difficulties banks face in keeping up their services in the state. Hon. CM explained the particular difficulties #Punjab is facing containing #CoronavirusPandemic. He assured that he shall facilitate the banks @PIB_India," she tweeted.
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) — in view to ease functioning of banking services for customers — has created a Twitter handle "@DFSFightsCorona", where people can post their queries and complaints.
As per Smt @nsitharaman's directions, @DFS_India has created a new handle @DFSFightsCorona to provide a direct route to customers for their complaints, queries, and concerns on banking and insurance related issues with regard to Corona virus related relief measures. pic.twitter.com/4gtUrxiCrJ
— NSitharamanOffice (@nsitharamanoffc) March 28, 2020
According to the Union health ministry, the total number of coronavirus cases in India has shot upto 918, including 19 deaths.