ADVERTISEMENT

RBI Asks Banks To Grout ATMs To Wall, Pillar Or Floor To Enhance Security

Based on recommendations of a panel on currency movement, RBI has issued instructions aimed at enhancing security at ATMs.

A pedestrian walks past State Bank of India and Canara Bank automated teller machines (ATM) in Mumbai, India. (Photographer: Adeel Halim/Bloomberg)
A pedestrian walks past State Bank of India and Canara Bank automated teller machines (ATM) in Mumbai, India. (Photographer: Adeel Halim/Bloomberg)

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday asked banks to ensure their automated teller machines are grouted to a wall, pillar, or floor by September-end, except those installed in high-security premises, such as airports, to enhance security of the ATMs.

In 2016, RBI had set up a Committee on Currency Movement to review the entire gamut of security of treasure in transit. Based on the recommendations of the panel, the central bank has now issued instructions aimed at mitigating risks and enhancing security at ATMs.

As part of the security measures, all “ATMs shall be operated for cash replenishment only with digital One Time Combination (OTC) locks”.

Also, “All ATMs shall be grouted to a structure (wall, pillar, floor, etc.) by September 30, 2019, except for ATMs installed in highly secured premises such as airports, etc., which have adequate CCTV coverage and are guarded by state/central security personnel.”

Further, banks may also consider rolling out a comprehensive e-surveillance mechanism for ATMs to ensure timely alerts and quick response, it said.

The new measures to be adopted by banks are in addition to the existing instructions, practices and guidance issued by RBI and law enforcement agencies.

The central bank also warned the banks that non-adherence of timelines or non-observance of the instructions would attract regulatory action, including levy of penalty.