Before these banks came along, our govt owned banks, like the airlines and other govt outfits, treated their customers like beggars. Customer service was a misnomer. It was usual to queue up in dirty, poorly lit halls and suddenly find the staff gone. At the drop of a hat, there were stoppages of work which was taken as "quite normal and accepted". I have seen managers at the mercy of clerical staff, going on all fours to get things done. For eg., if the cashier goes on leave, the manager had to beg somebody to do that job, you can imagine his authority. Passengers in the name of union leaders who were treated royally just for the branch to function. They went awol and was taken for union work. The customer felt he was an intrusion and the staff behaved like they owned the bank, just like in airline. To get your job done was a big relief and an achievement.
It was ironical to see NRI managers coming out to check if you needed anything, while at home look the other way.
The entry of these banks including foreign ones have brought certain standards into our system. Some may not appreciate their working, then have the alternative of govt banks to get a whiff of socialism. I like to have accounts with both to have nostalgia and modern service.
Let is enjoy the choice we have. Let "Indian" be there along with the new players. The politicians can come riding a white horse to save us from time to time and may not feel out of place in this changing world.
