Citizens across Goa are expressing growing frustration over alleged delays in cheque clearance, which have disrupted financial transactions and caused widespread inconvenience.
Several individuals, small traders, and business owners claim that technical glitches in the banking system — reportedly linked to backend operations at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) — are responsible for the disruption.
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According to affected citizens, the issue began several days ago and has impacted both private and public sector banks, leaving many unable to access funds from cheque deposits. While official clarification from banking authorities is still awaited, the delay has thrown routine payments and operations into disarray.
“This is not just an inconvenience — it’s a serious issue. People are waiting days to receive payments they depend on for essentials,” said Anita Rodrigues, a retired school teacher from Salcete. “Why should we suffer because of system failures?”
Small business owners are among the worst affected. Francisco D’Costa, who runs a hardware shop, said, “Suppliers don’t wait. If my cheques aren’t clearing on time, I lose credibility and business. We’re already struggling — we don’t need banking delays making it worse.”
Youth leader Prabhav Naik, speaking on behalf of citizen group Madganvcho Awaaz, likened the situation to a modern-day financial crisis. “A few years ago, we lived through ‘Note Bandhi’. Now it feels like ‘Cheque Bandhi’. People’s hard-earned money cannot be held hostage to inefficiency,” he remarked.
Naik further criticised the lack of preparedness and accountability within the system. “Banking services are the lifeline of the economy. Technical issues should never deprive people of access to their own funds,” he said.
Madganvcho Awaaz has called for immediate intervention from the Chief Minister of Goa to take up the matter with the RBI and ensure a swift resolution. The group has also urged banking regulators to enhance communication and transparency with the public during such disruptions.
