Please refer to CPD Circular No. 02 of 2014 & BPRD Circular No. 04 of 2016, wherein, among other things, banks/ MFBs/ DFIs were required to take certain measures to ensure Accessible Banking Infrastructure for Persons with Disabilities.

2. In this regard, it has been decided that henceforth, it will be mandatory for all banks/ MFBs/ DFIs to construct ramps at all newly opened and existing place of business¹ (excluding Mobile Banking Units) to make it accessible for persons with disabilities and wheelchair users. For the purpose, a 2-year time-bound action plan to construct ramps at your all-existing places of business shall be submitted to SBP on the given format at Annexure-A by December 31, 2020. In addition, a senior level management committee of the respective banks, MFBs and DFIs shall be constituted who will be responsible for monitoring the overall progress on the action plan. Further, the quarterly implementation report should be submitted to this department within 15 days after the end of each quarter on the given formats, Annexure-B & Annexure-C. Accordingly, half-yearly returns under CPD Circular No. 02 of 2014 would not be required to be submitted henceforth.

3. Further, with reference to SBP’s instructions issued vide CPD Circular No. 06 of 2014 requiring banks/MFBs to provide visually impaired/blind persons with equitable access to banking and financial services, you are also advised to submit the compliance status of the said instructions as per format given at Annexure-D by December 31, 2020.

4. All other instructions on the subject matter shall, however, remain unchanged.

5. Please acknowledge receipt.


Encl:
(i) Annexure-A - 2 Year Time-Bound Action Plan
(ii) Annexure-B - Quarterly Implementation Report
(iii) Annexure-C - Details of Places of business where ramps constructed during the quarter
(iv) Annexure-D - Compliance status of SBP instructions on visually impaired/ blind persons