CS Kundra reviews security of ATMs, Currency Chests and cash movement

LEH: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Wednesday called for tighter security protocols for Currency Chests, bank branches, ATMs and cash movement across the UT, with the authorities also reviewing measures to detect counterfeit currency and maintain uninterrupted banking services during winter.

Kundra issued the directions while chairing the 6th Union Territory Level Security Committee (UTLSC) meeting at Hotel Zen, Leh, held under the aegis of RBI Regional Director for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Prabhakar Jha.

The Committee reviewed the security arrangements at Currency Chests, banks and ATMs, as well as protocols governing the movement of cash and other valuables. It stressed closer coordination between banks, Police and other agencies and called for clearly defined procedures for responding to security incidents and contingencies.

The meeting examined guarding arrangements at Currency Chest premises, fire-risk mitigation measures and the installation, functioning and periodic maintenance of CCTV systems, security gadgets and other surveillance equipment. The implementation and monitoring of e-surveillance systems at bank branches and ATMs were also reviewed.

Discussions covered the transportation of cash between Currency Chests, bank branches and ATMs, including police assistance wherever required. The Committee stressed that standardised protocols must be clearly understood and followed by both banking officials and police personnel.

Kundra called for regular mock drills and preparedness exercises to test the response capability of banks, Police and other stakeholders. He also advised the RBI to circulate existing security guidelines and protocols concerning Currency Chests, bank branches and ATMs among concerned agencies to ensure uniform compliance.

The Committee further called for designated nodal officers from the banking and Police sectors to facilitate faster communication and coordinated action on security matters, cash movement, ATM operations and emergencies.

With winter approaching, the meeting also reviewed arrangements for areas where harsh weather and difficult connectivity could disrupt ATM operations and cash movement. Agencies were asked to factor seasonal challenges into their security and contingency planning.

The Committee also took up the issue of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) and discussed measures to strengthen their detection, reporting and prevention. Regular training and sensitisation of bank officials and other personnel were stressed to improve the identification of counterfeit notes.

Kundra called for strict adherence to prescribed security protocols and Standard Operating Procedures for the detection and reporting of FICNs, besides continuous compliance with established security guidelines.

The meeting also assessed gaps in the security architecture of banks and other establishments and called for timely corrective action and stronger monitoring. Joint workshops and training for bank and police personnel were proposed to improve preparedness, surveillance, emergency response and cash transportation procedures.

The meeting was attended by DGP Ladakh Police Anand Jain, IPS; AIG (CIV) Dr Rajneesh Garg, IPS; Deputy Director, Fire & Rescue Services, Anayatullah; CISF Assistant Commandant, Leh Airport, Shailender Kumar; RBI DGM Jammu Vinod Kumar; and senior officials from government departments, commercial banks, AAI, Air India and other stakeholders.