India's first "talking" Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for visually impaired was inaugurated in Ahmedabad.
The ATM by the Union Bank of India is first-of-its-kind for the
visually challenged and 4000th in the countrywide network of the
state-run bank.
"The foundation stone of Union Bank building in Mumbai had been laid
by Mahatma Gandhi. I am happy that the first accessible ATM is being
started in the state of Gujarat, janambhumi and karambhumi of Gandhi,"
Union Bank of India Chairman and Managing Director DSarkar said after
inaugurating the ATM at the Blind People's Association (BPA) here.
According to BPA functionaries, the users have to plug-in a headphone
into the ATM which has a unique voice interface, and once it is done
the machine guides them into further operations. The ATM can also be
operated by wheelchair-bound person as well.
There are about 20,000 blind persons in Ahmedabad and they can use
this ATM to the fullest extent. This ATM can be used by general public
for transaction.
