Byline: The Goan Network
Gone are the days when people would desperately visit the nearest bank just before the start of a long holiday to make sure to withdraw sufficient cash as ATMs and other initiatives taken by banks have made life a lot simpler.
Most branches in Panaji saw fewer foot-fall of customers just a day before the long weekend starting Holi than they see otherwise. An official from a public-sector bank said, “These days customers have ATMs everywhere to withdraw cash 24* 7, so they don’t have to come to a branch”
The official added, “Besides, customers can make all payments online using net banking 24*7. Most banks have even installed machines in ATMs, which update pass-books, so you don’t have to come to a branch for most of banking-related needs”
Besides, many banks have launched mobile-apps, which help in making payments through mobile itself.
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Box: Year-end target woes due to long weekend
1. Most companies in manufacturing sector are giving either Holi off or Good Friday off.
2. And, if employees work on either of these days, they are entitled to a compensatory off.
3. Damodar Kochkar, MD, Ultratech Automative said, “The absenteeism is high during a long weekend, which becomes a concern from targets viewpoint because we are very close to financial year-end”
