SBI sends message only in Hindi, draws flak

The State Bank of India has been sending messages to customers only in Hindi. The non-Hindi knowing customers are totally clueless as to the transactions of their accounts.   This is also in gross violation of the Constitutional rights of the citizens. KDA chairman has said that people should resist Hindi imposition and must stop interacting with such institutions. Rakshana Vedike has warned that the bank must get alert before the pro-Kannada bodies take the matter into their hands.

Despite strong agitations to use local languages at bank transactions with local customers, the State Bank of India has been sending messages to customers only in Hindi. Especially after the merger of State Bank of Mysore, with which Karnataka customers had an emotional bond are finding it strange that the SBI is now resorting to impose Hindi, reported Kannada Prabha.

All messages with regard to credits and debits in accounts which used to be in English all this while is now being sent in Hindi.  The non-Hindi knowing customers are totally clueless as to the transactions of their accounts.  

This is also in gross violation of the Constitutional rights of the citizens.  It has become a challenge to customers. Kantharaj, a SBI customer, said he does not know Hindi and every time he withdraws or deposits in ATMs the slip is coming out in Hindi.

In this context Prof S G Siddaramaiah, chairman, Kannada Development Authority, has said that people should resist Hindi imposition and must stop interacting with such institutions that do not correct their stand despite repeated appeal. 

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike president T A Narayana Gowda has warned State Bank to conduct administration in Kannada. Imposing Hindi will not be tolerated. He warned that the bank must get alert before the pro-Kannada bodies take the matter into their hands.