Residents of Kuenga Rabten under Draagteng Gewog in Trongsa is in need of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) facility. For now, have to travel 20 to 30 kilometres to avail themselves of such facilities at present.
This has caused them various inconveniences.
Located at over 25 kilometres from the Dzongkhag along the national highway towards Zhemgang and Gelegphu, Kueng Rabten has evolved into a small town. However, without ATM facilities in the area, people are finding it hard to access cash.
“Despite Kuenga Rabten being a small town, we do not even have a single ATM. There are many travellers passing through the village and when they ask for such services, we have to tell them no and this hampers our sale too as they can’t withdraw money to purchase from our shops,” said Karma Dema, a Shopkeeper in Kuenga Rabten.
“Several times we were told that the ATM would be installed here but never got one so far. So, in times of emergency, people find it very difficult to get cash. Some they MBoB and some they seek help from the ones who have Internet Banking facility to clear the shopping bills,” added Sonam Wangmo, also a shopkeeper in Kuenga Rabten.
“Living in a place where there is no ATM is a problem especially while purchasing goods from the shops. So it would benefit us a lot if we could have one,” said Tenzin Phuntsho, a Teacher at Kuenga Rabten.
The Gewog Administration is ready to provide any assistance to financial institutions for the installation of ATMs in the gewog.
“We are ever ready to provide plots or area to any financial service providers. The requirement is genuine as ushered by the people,” said Kuenzang Dorji, the Draagteng Gup.
“If installed, it would not only benefit in terms of withdrawal of cash but locals, students and even the laymen would understand about the banking transactions of withdrawal and deposits,” added Pema Tshomo, the Tshogpa of Kuenga Rabten.
For now, the people travel either to Dangdung under Langthil Gewog or Trongsa town to avail the service. They allege that the one installed at the Tagtse College of Language and Culture Studies remain usually out of service.
Passang
