The State Bank of India will open 36 branches across the State on the occasion of the 65th Republic Day on Sunday.
“The number holds special significance. As Odisha became a separate province in the year 1936, we want to open as many as 36 branches on the Republic Day. This is a signature event in the history of any bank in Odisha, where on a single day so many branches are being inaugurated,” said Krishna Mohan Trivedi, Chief General Manager of State Bank of India, Odisha, here on Saturday.
Chief Minister Naveen Panaik is scheduled to dedicate 36 branches to the State from here on Sunday.
Mr. Trivedi said, “We have plans to open another 23 branches by March 31.”
“With the proposed opening of 36 branches and the additional 23 branches in the next two months, as also taking into account 12 branches already opened in 2013, the network of SBI in Odisha would extend to 789 branches by March 31, 2014. The share of SBI would be 21.80 per cent in the total bank branches of all commercial banks in the State,” he said. SBI’s first branch came up in Berhampur way back on May 16 in 1921.
Mr. Trivedi said the SBI had set up 1,435 ATMs and 815 customer service points in the State. In the next one year, another 758 ATMs would be added.
On the issue of security of customers at ATM counters, he said, “Threat assessment at counters is being done. Wherever we feel there are risks, we will deploy caretakers. Besides, steps are being taken to strengthen remote surveillance, which would enable us to monitor all ATMs from a single location.”
Rajiv Varma, General Manager (NW-I), and P. V. S. L. N. Murthy, General Manager (NW-II), were present.
