RBI/2006-07/221
RPCD.CO.RF.BC.NO./40/07.40.06/2006-07

December 26, 2006

The Chairmen/ CEOs of all State/Central Co-operative Banks

Dear Sir,

Reserve Bank of India / Banking Ombudsmen have been receiving complaints that many bank branches are not accepting cheques at the counters and are compelling the customers to drop the cheques in the Cheque Drop Box.

2. It is, therefore, advised that customers should not be compelled to drop the cheques in the drop box and while the cheque drop box facility may be made available to the customers, the facility for acknowledgement of the cheques at the regular collection counters should also be available to the customers. No branch should refuse to give an acknowledgement if the customer tenders the cheque at the counters.

3. Wherever the cheque drop box facility has been introduced, it is necessary that customer is made aware of both the options available to him, i.e. dropping cheques in the drop box or tendering them at the counters so that he can take an informed decision in this regard. Banks are, therefore, advised to invariably display on the Cheque Drop-Box itself that

The above message may be displayed in English, Hindi and the concerned regional language of the State.

4. Please acknowledge receipt to our concerned Regional Office.

Yours faithfully,

(G.Srinivasan)
Chief General Manager