Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has expressed serious concern over recent incidents of manhandling of staff members of banks and financial institutions (BFIs).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the central bank said the widespread presence of BFIs has made it easier for the general public to access services like depositing funds, taking loans, receiving remittances, and social security payments at the local level. “Since BFIs manage deposits collected from the general public and disburse loans, failure to recover loans directly affects their ability to return deposits, thereby affecting liquidity,” the NRB said in the statement. “While adverse circumstances may sometimes affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the central bank has been introducing provisions for restructuring and rescheduling loans to provide relief on a timely basis.”
The central bank’s statement came in response to the manhandling of employees of Jyoti Bikas Bank’s Rupani branch in Saptari while they were discussing loan recovery plans with the borrowers.
NRB also said there are mechanisms in place for the public to address any complaints regarding banking transactions.
“If unprofessional and disruptive activities against banks, financial institutions, and their employees are not controlled, it will create difficulties in financial resource management and negatively impact financial services,” the central bank said. “Engaging in irresponsible behavior and disruptive activities toward BFIs and their staff will result in action as per prevailing laws.
