Many underprivileged who relied on Gurdwaras for food, medicine also affected by PMC bank case

The withdrawal limit on PMC bank accounts has hit the functioning of Gurdwaras in Mumbai, adversely effecting the organisation of ‘langar’, extending medical facilities to poor and other charitable work undertaken by them.

“I will not take the name of any Gurdwara but langar is organised two times in which poor people have their meal. The langar runs on the money that comes from Fixed Deposits (FD) in banks. Where the poor will go now?” Gurmeet Seghal, Trustee of a Gurdwara told ANI.

“Medical facilities extended by Gurdwara, the cost of books and fees of poor children, maintenance of Gurdwara, ‘Kirtan’ and all other expenses are from this money only. The 80 percent of work of Gurdwara has been affected,” he said.

Seghal said that the common man was in a lurch since he would be not able to bear expenses like paying school fees of children, medical treatment of elders, etc. “I know families that are celebrating the festival by starving,” he said.

“Even taxi-driver will not ferry you and will not show any mercy if you say that you have an account in PMC bank and hence cannot pay. You will not get treatment in hospitals. The situation is worse,” he said.

On September 23, the RBI had put a slew of restrictions on PMC bank for six months over several irregularities, including under-reporting of NPAs. The restrictions included curbs on fresh lending, accepting fresh deposits and investments, among others.

The withdrawal limit for account holders was also kept at Rs 1,000 for six months, which was raised to Rs 10,000 and subsequently to Rs 25,000.