June 14: The Sonari branch of the State Bank of India seems to have got its act together, finally.

The short-staffed branch had been having a tough time meeting its customers? needs over the past few weeks. But for SBI customers of Charaideo subdivision of Sivasagar, who depend on the bank for all their financial transactions ? from withdrawing salaries and pensions to taking loans ? the worst seems to be mercifully over. After the previous manager of the bank was transferred, the branch had to function without any replacement for almost a month. The retirement of the cash officer in December also affected bank operations.

Subhash Dhar, who took over as branch manager on Saturday, said he was optimistic about improving all services over the next few weeks. ?ATMs are being installed so that people do not have to rush to the bank branch just to withdraw money. We are also planing to improve our customer care services,? Dhar said over the phone.

The 20-strong staff at the branch caters to customers from across the town and the 20-odd tea gardens around the town. Sources said the town?s largest bank had been facing difficulties till last week with the accounts officer having to manage the branch with skeletal staff and several other constraints.

Changes are in the offing, and as far as the customers are concerned, it is about time. ?We are customers and we need better service from the bank where we deposit our money, the higher authorities should look into the matter and take necessary action,? a resident of the town said.