Banks in India have several counters, cabins and seating arrangements. CCTV cameras and a guard (with or without a rifle) may or may not be present. The teller/cashier’s counter would have a glass panel and a small opening to receive or hand over cash, making this counter the most vulnerable to being looted. To prevent this, the glass doors at the bank’s entrance could be replaced with automated doors so that, in the event of a robbery, the teller, manager or other staff could press strategically placed buttons that would automatically close the doors. Simultaneously, a siren could go off to inform the public and police that something is amiss inside the bank and help is required. The suggestion, if implemented in all banks (urban and especially rural banks, which are more prone to robbery), may involve substantial expenses. But the amount would be well spent to prevent banks from being plundered and staff and customers from being harassed and beaten.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
