Human Touch

Inside the glass door it was a different world all together. Cool quiet and plush interior was oblivious to the heat and dust outside. Technology has reduced opportunities of actual human interface in general. ATM, net banking, customer care services, shopping apps on mobile are at your disposal round the clock.

I remembered the days when you have to stand in queue to get the passbook updated. Clerical staff at the window seemed to be your buddy in this monthly ritual. The window clerk was our mentor for the beginners in banking rituals.

-          Abhi MT (money transfer) hua nahi hai

-           Arre… savings accounbt ke liye gulabi slip bhariye

-          Ye toh deposit slip hai…..withdrawal karna hai naa…

It had been years that I actually entered a bank. Either money withdrawal from ATM or talking to a faceless voice solved maximum of my problems. Last month I had to visit a bank for two reasons….. one- my debit card had expired and  two- my  passbook needed updated entry. With heavy heart I decided to visit the bank before going to work. I cautioned my office of reporting a little late on work as I was sure that both the things will be time consuming.

I was met with a straight-faced woman at the counter. She handed over a form for reissue of debit card.

“When should I come back to collect the card?”

“Wait for 5 minutes”

 She checked form details, noted down the information in a register, took out a card and sealed PIN number and handed over to me. “It will be activated within 48 hours, remember to withdraw some amount day after tomorrow”. I was flabbergasted with the speed of service!!Still trying to get out of the jet-trance I slid my passbook and stammered ccann yoouu updddate it ppleasse….

GET IT DONE AT THE KIOSK OUTSIDE…….She verbally slapped me for my ignorance. I felt behind the time to know that the banks are operating on a mechanized mode. Security guard at the entrance took pride in teaching me how to get the passbook updated in the machine. Its very simple madam…. See its done…

 While profusely thanking him I noticed to my horror that the amount is not fully updated as per my knowledge. I sheepishly told this to the woman at the counter. She looked at me for a second and instructed her junior to update the amount manually.

Within those 20 minutes I had mixed feelings. The country is galloping towards development with mechanization …. still the mechanical precision needs the human touch.