With a view to make banking all inclusive, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made it mandatory for banks to put in place talking ATMs with Braille keypads for the benefit of people with special abilities.

"It has come to our notice that some of the banks have not made at least one-third of the new ATMs installed as talking ATMs with Braille keypads as advised (earlier). It is, therefore, reiterated that banks should make all new ATMs installed from July 1, 2014, as talking ATMs with Braille keypads," the RBI said in a notification on Wednesday.

The banking regulator has also directed banks to plan as to how they can make the existing ATMs disabled-friendly which may be reviewed from time to time by the banks' customer service committee.

In addition, banks have also been asked to provide ramps and magnifying glasses at all existing and future ATMs and bank branches.

"Care may also be taken to make arrangements in such a way that the height of the ATMs do not create an impediment in their use by wheel-chair users. However, in cases where it is impracticable to provide such ramp facilities, whether permanently fixed to earth or otherwise, this requirement may be dispensed with, for reasons recorded and displayed in branches or ATMs concerned," the RBI said.