Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank, sponsored by Syndicate Bank, operates in Andhra Pradesh. A brief review of their operations and the future plans:
The Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank came into existence in June 2006 after amalgamation of 3 RRBs – Rayalaseema Grameena Bank, Sree Anantha Grameena Bank and Pinakini Grameena Bank – into a single entity. The bank operates in the 5 districts
of Anantapur, Y.S.R District, Kurnool, Nellore and Prakasam. It is sponsored by Syndicate Bank.
NETWORK EXPANSION
The bank has 500 branches as of March 2016 – 323 in rural, 112 in semi-urban and 65 in urban areas. It has opened 30 new branches during 2015-16 and installed 59 onsite ATMs under capex model. The staff strength stood at 2578, comprising 1552 officers, 942 office assistants and 84 office attendants. Says D. Sampath Kumar Chary, chairman: “There are 7 Farmers’ Service Co-operative Societies, set up by the bank. The on-site ATMs installed as on date
is 77 and we propose to add 18 ATMs
during 2016-17.”
D Sampath Kumar Chary relies on periodic training programs for all employees, especially on CBS and technology upgrades
ATTRACTING CUSTOMERS
The total customers base of the bank increased to 60.26 lakh with 48.97 lakh depositors and 11.28 lakh borrowers, as on 30 September 2016. During 2015-16, some 127,683 no-frills accounts were opened, taking the total to 1,471,372. To increase the clientele base, the bank organized road shows and door-to-door campaigns, targeting the young generation of customers and highlighting the facilities and latest IT initiatives.
Every Wednesday, there is a customer contact program where the bank staff visit one village to create awareness among the people about schemes of advances, deposit products and other services offered by the bank. Chary says: “As many as 361 farmers’ clubs, including 52 women’s clubs, are functioning today. We have initiated steps to recognize the valued customers by honoring them for their contributions at the customer meets.”
TECH INITIATIVES
The bank introduced channels such as RTGS/ NEFT, debit cards with PoS/e-commerce features, AEPS SMS alerts, missed call banking, e-KYC, mobile banking including IMPS, ATMs, CTS, Micro ATMs. Chary says: “We are going to introduce e-commerce, internet banking, mobile wallet, pre-paid cards, credit cards & QR code technology to mobilize new young generation customers in order to improve the customer clientele and grab more business.”
All the officers of the bank are trained in CBS operations and utilization of alternate delivery channels. Refresher training programs on latest developments and technology initiatives are organized frequently. One officer in each branch is designated as nodal IT officer for IT related works. Customers can operate their accounts from home at their convenience without turning up to the branch.
Chary says all IT officers have undergone training on various topics at various institutions such as IDRBT, BIRD, CAB & NPCI. Customers are expressing satisfaction with the utilization of the technology initiatives implemented by the bank.
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