PANJIM: A new week these days does not necessarily mean a new start. It was the same old story. Panjim residents had to endure long lines and frustration as money ran out of circulation in ATMs. A couple of banks had some money but they run dry by afternoon. The only bank that seemed to have cash in the evening was ICICI Bank.
Attempts to contact corporate communication teams in Mumbai proved futile as calls went unanswered. Conversations with employees in banks based in Panjim revealed this situation would continue for a couple of weeks and could, in the worst case scenario, continue till December 30.
If there is anything that could be a source of comfort to Goans, it could be the reaction of a couple of Pune residents now in the State for a conference. Satish Gaitonde said, “This ICICI outlet is remarkable in the sense that we spend just 20 minutes to get money. In Pune, we have spent on average three hours everyday to get money.”
Perhaps the schedule of many Goans will remain the same, to the bank in the morning and then the rest after that.
