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.
