Blind people irrespective of their education or socio economic background, have reported instances of denial of banking rights to Eyeway in the past. More recently, on behalf of 12-year-old Vicky Mahawae, his elder brother, Pawan called us from Kota, Rajasthan. A nationalised bank in Kota refused to open a (student) account for Vicky because of his vision impairment. Clueless about how to respond, Pawan sought Eyeway’s intervention.
Our counselor was quick to understand the issue and provided Vicky’s older brother with the necessary RBI (Reserve Bank of India) and IBA (Indian Banking Association) issued guidelines citing that banks cannot deny services to persons with vision impairment.
Individuals like Vicky, who are above the age of 10 are eligible to open a solo student account. Banks cannot deny so on grounds of disability. Vicky’s brother was briefed about the same and asked to get a note from the bank officials in writing, in case they continued to deny services after the submission of relevant guidelines.
Despite the rules and laws, it remains a constant challenge for blind and visually impaired people to access banking facilities because of the lack of awareness and ignorance among the banking authorities.