rrsji
TF Premier
I need some guidance regarding an issue with my PM Jan Dhan account at the Central Bank of India. The account was originally opened about 10 years ago when the scheme launched. In 2018, I transferred it to a branch in the city where I moved. During COVID, all my payments were routed into this account.
Last year, when I tried to withdraw some cash, I found the account had been frozen. I went to the bank, and they asked me to submit a formal application to get it unfrozen. Later, they discovered my photo wasn’t linked to the account and asked me to complete an eKYC. But since no mobile number was associated with the account, the eKYC couldn’t be done.
They then told me to deposit ₹500 and come back the next day. I followed their instructions, but on my next visit, they informed me that my account didn’t even have a signature for verification. Over the next six months and at least 10 visits, nothing was resolved. Finally, they told me I’d need to visit the branch where I had originally opened the account. They even sent an application to that branch, requesting a scanned copy of my account opening form.
Unfortunately, the branch never responded. I can’t visit that branch as it’s about 1000 km away. Meanwhile, my local branch has had staff changes, and the new employees now recognize me on sight and just tell me the originating branch hasn’t responded yet. This has become an endless loop of over 50 visits with no solution in sight.
On one occasion, I even had to miss a train, hoping the issue would be resolved that day, but it wasn’t.
I’ve had enough and want to escalate this matter to the RBI Ombudsman. I plan to file a formal complaint seeking compensation for the sheer harassment and inefficiency I’ve faced. My main aim is to ensure the bank works efficiently and no one else has to go through such a terrible experience. Compensation is secondary for me; I want them to be held accountable for their actions (or lack thereof).
Could someone guide me on how to proceed? Specifically:
Last year, when I tried to withdraw some cash, I found the account had been frozen. I went to the bank, and they asked me to submit a formal application to get it unfrozen. Later, they discovered my photo wasn’t linked to the account and asked me to complete an eKYC. But since no mobile number was associated with the account, the eKYC couldn’t be done.
They then told me to deposit ₹500 and come back the next day. I followed their instructions, but on my next visit, they informed me that my account didn’t even have a signature for verification. Over the next six months and at least 10 visits, nothing was resolved. Finally, they told me I’d need to visit the branch where I had originally opened the account. They even sent an application to that branch, requesting a scanned copy of my account opening form.
Unfortunately, the branch never responded. I can’t visit that branch as it’s about 1000 km away. Meanwhile, my local branch has had staff changes, and the new employees now recognize me on sight and just tell me the originating branch hasn’t responded yet. This has become an endless loop of over 50 visits with no solution in sight.
On one occasion, I even had to miss a train, hoping the issue would be resolved that day, but it wasn’t.
I’ve had enough and want to escalate this matter to the RBI Ombudsman. I plan to file a formal complaint seeking compensation for the sheer harassment and inefficiency I’ve faced. My main aim is to ensure the bank works efficiently and no one else has to go through such a terrible experience. Compensation is secondary for me; I want them to be held accountable for their actions (or lack thereof).
Could someone guide me on how to proceed? Specifically:
- What email or setup should I use to start the complaint process?
- How can I structure my complaint to the RBI for the best impact?
- Are there any additional steps or documents I should prepare before filing (because I have none right now)?
