Date:26/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/26/stories/2007112653930800.htm

Karnataka

Amalgamation within this fiscal: SBI chief

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The process for amalgamation of the State Bank Group associate banks had begun and should everything go as planned, the amalgamation will be complete within this fiscal, said Chairman of State Bank of India O.P. Bhat.

Mr. Bhat speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of a function to inaugurate the new branch at Koramangala in the city on Sunday, said things were being worked out in this direction.

Mr. Bhat said the new initiatives to improve customer service and the technology-driven banking taken up by the bank had propelled it to a premium position in Asia and in global banking circles. Encouraged by this development, SBI plans to take up a nationwide customer awareness programme, through various sections of the media and through its branches, giving the customers inputs on how to get the best out of banking services. He said the core competence of the bank depended on its customer service.

Wide network

The bank has over 8,000 ATMs and 9,000 branches across the country. Its target is to achieve 25,000 ATMs and 14,000 branches. He said the bank has also recorded a steep increase in the number of customers using Internet banking.

Mr. Bhat appealed to customers to give the bank “free, frank and fearless” feedback and demand service and guidance from the bank.

The Koramangala branch is the 333rd branch in Karnataka circle.