In Bhagwantapur village, nearly two thousand customers have threatened to close their accounts if Bank of Baroda goes ahead with its plan to move the local branch to a nearby village. The Bank of Baroda branch in Bhagwantapur has been serving the community since 1989, and over the years, it has become an essential part of the village’s financial infrastructure.
With nearly 30,000 accounts opened at the branch, including those from Bhagwantapur and surrounding areas, the bank plays a critical role in the lives of the residents. The village itself has around 20,000 residents, many of whom have family members working abroad. These expatriates send money back home, which is often deposited into accounts at the local branch, especially for their children.
Recently, account holders discovered that the bank is planning to shift its branch from Bhagwantapur to Mehatpur Teja Singh village, which is approximately three kilometers away. This relocation has sparked discontent among the customers, who find the move inconvenient and disruptive. In response, the community organized a protest by submitting a signed petition to the bank’s regional manager, urging the bank to reconsider the relocation.
The petition also came with a stern warning: if the bank does not meet their demands, nearly two thousand customers are prepared to close their accounts in protest. This mass closure could have a significant impact on the bank’s operations in the region. The residents hope that their collective action will compel the bank to keep the branch in Bhagwantapur, ensuring continued access to vital financial services for the local community.
To eradicate the dispute with a view to facilitate the other customers of nearby village Bank should apply a fresh licence to open for new branch, this action will increase the business of CASA Depisit of the Branch and generate employment like E-mitra, developing habits of savings, etc.