Vijaya Bank to instal new counters with extra facilities

Public sector Vijaya Bank has planned to install new counters at branches that would offer additional facilities to its customers round-the-clock.

As a pilot study, the Bangalore-headquartered bank would initially offer this service in five branches across the country, Vijaya Bank Chairman and Managing Director HS Upendra Kamath said on Monday.

"These are like offering additional features beyond banking hours -- automated pass book entry, cash drop facility, internet banking...", he told reporters.

"Initially, as a pilot study we will try them in five branches...", he said. The branches would cater to the youth customers and office goers, he said and added they would evaluate options during the initial phase and would extend this service to other branches.

"Last year the Bank''s business stood at Rs 1,22,470 crore. We aim to reach Rs 1,53,000 crore (in 2011-12) with an year-on-year increase of 22%. (Rs 90,000 crore in deposits and Rs 63,000 crore in advances)", he said.

Kamath, on his maiden visit to Chennai, said they had also planned to increase the retail credit and Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises advances to 20 and 30% respectively.

"Achieving 20% in retail credit is quite possible. There is no dearth for potential. We need to create only capabilities..", he said.