SBI launches Tech Learning Centres for customers at regional offices

The State Bank of India’s (SBI), in a bid to empower its customers through technology and awareness regarding its tech channels amongst customers, has inaugurated its latest initiative, the State Bank Tech Learning Centres (TLCs) for customers.

The drive was inaugurated by RBI Deputy Governor H R Khan.
Around 385 TLCs across the country have conducted interactive learning sessions and demonstrationss of the bank’s tech channels for about 15,000 customers, the bank stated.

Going forward, these workshops will be held on the third Friday of every month between 4-6 pm and will be in addition to the guidance on tech services being provided to the customers through product brochures, information on website and interaction with customer helpline or frontline staff at branches.

According to SBI Chief General Manager Rajni Mishra, although there was significant growth in transactions through alternate channels of banking, it was felt that many customers still visit branches for their routine transactions because they feel electronic channels are complex or risky.

In the TLC session of about 60-90 minutes, customers will be explained features of various alternate channels, shown live demos and will also be told about the security aspects of each channel.

Mishra informed that the bank is committed to offering the latest technology based solutions to its customers on continuous basis.

“By March, 2015, there is a plan to install 175 additional cash-recyclers which serve the twin purpose of cash deposit & withdrawal.

“With these installations, Bangalore Circle (SBI in Karnataka) will have an expanded network of 2,364 ATMs, CDMs and recyclers. 44 bar code-based passbook printing kiosks ‘Swayam’ are being installed in branches with high passbook printing frequency.

Every retail branch has at least one green channel counter,” the bank said in a statement.

The online SBI portal and mobile apps are constantly upgraded to include more and more value-added services. SBI’s robust e-banking and payment gateway platform is facilitating over 4 crore e-commerce transactions per month making SBI a major player in this space.

Launched in March 2014, the Bank’s ‘State Bank Anywhere’ app for smart phones became an instant hit. Its unique feature mPassBook is particularly popular.

Mishra appealed to customers to make the best use of TLCs to enjoy banking in a safe, convenient and 24x7 environment.

More branches
SBI is also planning to add 60 more branches in Karnataka by the end of 2014-15.
The bank has a dominant presence in the state with 690 branches.

SBI Deputy Managing Director Ashwini Mehra said, “The banks has already recruited 1,700 probationary officers, this year. We will be recruiting another 5,400 clerks, pan-India and the staffing is basically taking place in terms of requirement for growth as well as the present shortfalls in various circles across India.”

“As a result, Karnataka will receive a due share of this staffing exercise,” Ashwini Mehra added. SBI unveils ‘India Immemorial
In a bid to promote the culture and heritage of India, SBI Deputy Managing Director Ashwini Mehra launched ‘India Immemorial’, India’s monthly culture and heritage magazine here on Friday. The magazine will showcase the cultural vivacity of India in different dimensions and create awareness.