Locals, non-profits helped out people standing in queues outside ATMs with tea, advice in Delhi
After a public holiday, long queues were seen outside banks in Delhi, even before they opened. But while the crowds were large, chaos was prevented through the efforts of some of the people and the non-profits, who helped out with tea, snacks and advice.
In parts of Delhi, people had waited overnight. But even the early morning cold had not deterred them from volunteering to help.
"We have created some facilities so neither the public nor the bank face any problems," said 30 year old M Khan, who had been standing outside Bank of Baroda in Lajpat Nagar since 6 am.
"We have got people to stand in queues. I am number 80 in the line," said Mr Khan, who created a token system on paper and distributed over 200 tokens to those who stood with him.
"We have also created a separate line for the disabled and the elderly," Mr Khan said.
"There might be a slight delay to begin with, but things are under control," he assured those around him, as he joined the team of the Delhi Police stationed at the bank.
Likewise, 50-year-old Ramesh Khaneja was helping the public at Kotak Mahindra bank, Lajpat Nagar.
Mr Khaneja, a local, had queued up with him family since 6.30 am outside the bank. As confusion in the lines grew, he helped out the uneducated people fill in their forms, photocopied identity proof and became a one-man information centre.
"I fully support PM Modi's decision and so I'm helping people out here. There will be some teething problems, but together we can tide them over," Mr Khaneja said.
At some banks volunteers distributed water to those standing in queues while at the Yes Bank outlet in Greater Kailash, food was distributed at lunch-time by a local non-profit.