Move over independent ATMs, security and queues, here come desktop ATMs, that too in rural India. In a trendy initiative, the Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank (APGVB) has operationalised it’s first desktop ATM at Kasibugga in Mandi Bazar of Warangal in Telangana on Tuesday.

The mini-ATM within the branch premises will facilitate customers to withdraw small amounts. At the same time regular bank account holders can withdraw money and do other banking activities. The model will be scaled up to 100 in the near future, said Narasi Reddy, Chairman. With these ATMs, there will be no need for separate ATM rooms, so there is no security issue.

This is another IT initiative that the bank, which is the biggest under the SBI and among the best regional rural banks (RRBs). There are 56 RRBs.

At present it’s a pilot exercise. Plans are to install 100 more desktop ATMs in different busy branches. 60 of them will be in Telangana State and 40 in AP branches. It can be installed in the lobby or any business establishment, he said.

The ATM is designed to work in harsh climatic conditions and minimum power requirements. They can dispense small denominations and cater to small cash needs of rural customers, who can use their Rupay ATM debit cards. Immediately, the branches in Nalgonda, Patancheru, Kancherpalem and Srikakulam branches will be equipped with these ATMs to assess their utility and performance.

“The APGVB has a total business of Rs 27,092 crore. Deposits are Rs 13, 805 crore and Advances Rs 13, 287 cr. It is in profit and has adequate reserves and capital adequacy ratio,” Narasi Reddy stated.

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