Over 50,000 of the 162,000 automated teller machines in India are likely to be secured through remote surveillance without round-the-clock physical security. Several banks have floated tenders for offsite surveillance and are looking at it as a more cost-effective method of safety at ATMs. However, non-availability of
Over 50,000 of the 162,000 automated teller machines in India are likely to be secured through remote surveillance without round-the-clock physical security. Several banks have floated tenders for offsite surveillance and are looking at it as a more cost-effective method of safety at ATMs. However, non-availability of bandwidth is proving to be a major challenge.
The decision to go for offsite monitoring is driven primarily by cost. The system triggers alarms at the control room when there are too many people in the room or if the machine is tampered. It also allows two-way communication from the command centre. As against this, having round-the-clock security could cost banks almost three times as much.
According to Pramoud Rao, promoter and MD of Zicom Group, banks are going for offsite surveillance for close to 50,000 ATMs. "Banks are very happy with the offsite surveillance as this comes with a quick response team which includes motorcycle-borne guards who will arrive at the site within minutes of an incident. Also, banks do not need to incur any capital expenditure for this service as the infrastructure is already in place," he said.
Banks that have initiated the process include State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Union Bank of India. While the Reserve Bank of India has not insisted on guards at every ATM, it has advised banks to try and have guards at all ATMs. Banks, however, say that under the present cost structure it is more economical to shut their ATMs at night rather than have round-the-clock security.