RBI to Banks: Make All New ATMs Talking Machines From July

All new ATMs to be installed by commercial banks from July 2014 onwards would provide audible instructions and Braille keypads to customers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a notification on Wednesday.

The RBI directive came on its prior advice to banks in 2009 to make bank branches and ATMs accessible to people with disabilities and make at least one-third of the new ATMs installed as talking ATMs with Braille keypads.

"It is, therefore, reiterated that banks should make all new ATMs installed from July 1, 2014, as talking ATMs with Braille keypads," the notification said.

"Banks should lay down a road map for converting all existing ATMs as talking ATMs with Braille keypads and the same may be reviewed from time to time," it said.

The RBI also asked lenders to make necessary arrangements to provide all existing ATMs/future ATMs with ramps so that wheel chair users/persons with disabilities can easily access them.

"Care may also be taken to make arrangements in such a way that the height of the ATMs do not create an impediment in their use by wheelchair users," the RBI said.

However, the apex bank said this requirement may be dispensed with in cases it is impracticable to provide ramps.

Further, the RBI also asked banks to provide the facilities of magnifying glasses at all bank branches for the use of persons with low vision.

The branches should display at a prominent place notice about the availability of magnifying glasses and other facilities available for persons with disabilities, it added.

To ensure compliance of new directives, the Reserve Bank asked lenders to report the progress made in this regard periodically to their customer service committee.