Make all new ATMs talking machines from July RBI to banks

Make all new ATMs talking machines from July RBI to banks

MUMBAI: All new ATMs to be installed by commercial banks from July 2014 onwards would provide audible instructions and Braille keypads to customers, RBI said on Wednesday.

The RBI's directive today 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," RBI said in a notification. "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.