Sunderbans tale: Lone ATM is one-man show

He carries cash only to service 20 people a day. The rest return to queue up the next day.

“People have few other options, but to wait for Mistry,” explains Jayanta Naskar, the local legislator from Gosaba.

Gosaba, for example, is one of the 16 administrative blocks in Sunderbans. It comprises nine islands spread over 285 sq km with a population of 2.5 lakh voters. But there is just one nationalised bank branch.

It explains the rush at Mistry’s office. “Initially more than 100 people used to stand in the queue to withdraw cash and exchange notes. But now the late comers go back home as soon as they see 20 people are already in the queue. I have told them that with limited resources I won’t be able to cater to all of them,” says Mistry.

As an arm of the bank, he REMESH MISTRY, operator, customer service point, SBI

provides villagers with services ranging from withdrawals, deposits and opening of fixed deposit accounts. The rush in recent weeks though has mostly been for withdrawals.

Mistry has been working longer hours in recent weeks, beginning with collecting cash deposits and requests for withdrawals from those lining up daily. He goes to the main bank branch in the afternoon to deposit the money collected and return with cash for distribution in the evening among those seeking withdrawals.

Yet, tempers are rising. None of his explanations work when villagers are forced to return empty handed or are handed `2,000 note. Quarrels often break out.

Frustrated and peeved, the villagers often shout and abuse Mistry.

Sandhya Dolui, a septuagenarian woman from Kakmari village, speaks highly of the service that Mistry provides. “He is a very decent and patient man. He never loses his patience, no matter how badly you treat him. He will smile back and listen to all your grievances,” she says.

But there are compelling reasons for those who are losing their cool. “Imagine the frustration when you have to return empty handed just because you were not in the first 20. Sometimes you are handed over a polythene bag full of `10 coins or just one `2,000 note. How are we going to manage?” asks an irate villager.

Mistry’s wife has her own share of complaints. Mistry carries the cash in a backpack all by himself to and fro from the bank and his office and she is constantly worried about his well being. Her worries have risen with the advent of winter when tigers stray more often into human habitations looking for prey. The fear of robbers and tigers keep her awake as Mistry works long hours.

Initially more than 100 people used to stand in the queue to withdraw cash and exchange notes. But now the late comers go back home as soon as they see 20 people are already in the queue.