Hi all,

I wanted to get a DD from SBI Pune, Aundh branch. I have an account at Kanpur but since SBI has core-banking facility, I knew it can be operated from anywhere.

I wrote a cheque of the required amount and gave it to my sister to get a draft. But they refused to do so, saying that signature doesn't match with that saved in their database and that I have to come personally.

The next day I went with my chequebook and other ID proofs. I spoke to the accounts person in Hindi and English, but she was speaking in Marathi (and she knew Hindi very well, as later I heard her speaking in Hindi). They still refused to prepare the draft saying that the scanned signature is not clear so it cannot be matched. Also, it is a Kanpur account and they don't want to take any risk.

I requested them that it is urgent and I needed to post the DD on the same day and I was already late for office but they insisted on preparing a DD by giving cash. There was a huge slow moving queue for that. They were totally non-cooperative and rude even after I suggested to sign again and showed my ID proofs. There was hardly any difference in the scanned sign and the current sign. (and in 7yrs there is bound to be some change in handwriting!) Even they said "go to some other branch. No bank will take such a risk".

Finally I had to give up and I got a draft made from BoB (their service was exceptionally good).

The whole situation seemed to be motivated by regionalism.
1. They were speaking in Marathi even after knowing that I don't know Marathi.
2. They refused to prepare a draft saying it's a Kanpur account.

I really felt alienated and harassed. I hope some action is taken against them.

Thanks,
Swati