Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan announced that banks do not issue cards to blind citizens. Radar Armenia asked the Central Bank which regulations govern the issuance of cards to blind citizens in this case.
"Banks are guided by legislation when providing their services. When concluding a written transaction with blind people, they are obliged to require the involvement of a third party and a notary," the Central Bank said in response to Radar Armenia's written inquiry.
According to the bank, to resolve these issues, banks are seeking mutually acceptable approaches for citizens, guided by the provisions of the Civil Code and the RA Law "On Notary". "According to which, the service is provided based on a decision on the appointment of a patronage (assistant) certified by the guardianship and trusteeship body or a power of attorney certified by a notary," the CB noted.
According to Article 296, Part 4 of the Civil Code, "if a citizen cannot sign with his own hand due to a physical disability, illness, or illiteracy, another citizen may sign the transaction at his request. The latter's signature must be certified by a notary or another official authorized to perform such a notarial act, indicating the reasons by virtue of which the person concluding the transaction was unable to sign it."
Radar Armenia also sought to determine whether these cards are standard or specially adapted for the blind (e.g., with appropriate Braille). The Central Bank emphasized that the issue of banking services for blind people is being discussed with government partners, including the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, with a view to implementing relevant legislative amendments.
"As a result of the discussions, the Central Bank has made proposals to ensure more favorable and accessible conditions for persons with disabilities to use the financial system, the coordination and implementation of which will be possible under the coordination of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs."
As noted, the financial system has adopted a consumer-centric policy and, within its capabilities, constantly strives to improve the accessibility and quality of service for all groups of citizens, in particular through digital and remote services, remote identification tools, and other relevant solutions. "The effectiveness of inclusion depends on the formation of common standards by authorized bodies and the widespread application of standards to ensure a coherent approach in all areas (including healthcare, education, social services, transport, public services, etc.)," the Central Bank said.
