Customer Service should not be affected: UP Gramin Bank orders Staff to Work during Lunch Break
Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank has issued a new order regarding branch timings, cash transaction hours and customer service hours. The bank has directed all branches and offices to strictly follow the prescribed business timings and ensure uninterrupted banking services for customers.
New Timings Issued After Amalgamation of Three RRBs
According to the order, the new instructions have been issued following the amalgamation of three Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) — Baroda U.P. Bank, Aryavart Bank and Prathama U.P. Gramin Bank.
These three banks have been amalgamated to form Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank. Following the merger, the bank has reiterated the branch timings to maintain uniform business hours and customer service standards across its branches.
Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank Business Hours
As per the circular, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank branches will remain open for banking business from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Saturday.
However, branches will remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
During the prescribed business hours, branches are required to provide uninterrupted banking services to customers without any break.
Cash Transaction Timings from 10 AM to 4 PM
The bank has fixed cash transaction hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Customers can carry out cash-related banking transactions during these hours on working days. The cash transaction timings will apply from Monday to Saturday, except the second and fourth Saturdays.
No Lunch Break Timings to Be Displayed at Branches
Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank has clearly instructed branches not to display any specific lunch break timings.
The bank said that lunch timings are an internal matter and should not disrupt customer service at the branch level.
Branch staff members have been advised to adjust their lunch arrangements in such a way that banking services continue without interruption.
The bank has advised branches to adopt staggered lunch timings for employees, if required.
This means different staff members can take their lunch breaks at different times. The arrangement should ensure that customers continue to receive banking services during business hours.
The bank has specifically directed that front-office counters, including cash counters, must remain manned throughout the prescribed business hours.
Uninterrupted Customer Service During Business Hours
The circular states that branch business hours are meant to provide uninterrupted services to customers.
Branch Managers and other staff members have been asked to ensure that customer services are not affected due to lunch arrangements or other internal matters.
All counters dealing with customers should remain operational and adequately staffed during business hours.
Bank Employees Must Be at Their Seats on Time
Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank has also issued clear instructions regarding staff attendance during business hours.
Employees are expected to be at their seats at the beginning of business hours. They must be available to attend to customers from the commencement of the prescribed banking hours.
The bank has also directed employees to attend to all customers who enter the branch before the close of business hours.
Customers Present Before Closing Time Must Be Attended
The circular makes it clear that customers who are already present inside the branch before the end of business hours should be attended to by bank staff.
Employees are expected to complete customer service for such customers even if they entered the branch shortly before the close of business hours.
The instruction aims to improve customer service and ensure that eligible customers are not denied banking services during prescribed business hours.
Regional Offices Asked to Strictly Monitor Branches
Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank has directed its Regional Offices to strictly monitor compliance with the new instructions.
Regional Offices will be responsible for ensuring that branches follow the prescribed business hours, cash transaction timings and customer service guidelines.
