Almost all the ATMs belonging to the public sector banks went dry on Monday as the employees went on 48-hour strike in response to a call by United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).
The city has around 300 ATMs, of which 200 belonged to public sector banks. Heavy rush was seen at private bank ATMs as all the public sector banks remained shut. The problem compounded as the strike began after Saturday and Sunday. Filling the ATMs with cash was suspended as part of the bank strike.
Transactions to the tune of an estimated Rs.650 crore got hit in the district.
The employees of various banks staged a demonstration at the main branch of SBI at Jail Road. UFBU district convener J.P. Sarma said the amendments mooted in the banking laws would dilute the interest of the public sector banks.