Introduction: The Traditional Payment Powerhouse
परिचय: पारंपरिक भुगतान का मुख्य साधन
Even in the era of UPI and NEFT, the Cheque (चेक) remains a vital instrument for business payments, loan EMIs, and large value transactions. A cheque is a written order to your Regional Rural Bank (क्षेत्रीय ग्रामीण बैंक) to pay a specific amount of money from your account to the person whose name is on it.
However, a single mistake while writing a cheque can cause it to be rejected (bounced) by the bank, causing delays and sometimes penalties. This guide explains how to use cheques correctly.
How to Write a Cheque Correctly (Step-by-Step)
चेक सही तरीके से कैसे लिखें (चरण-दर-चरण)
Always use a blue or black ballpoint pen. Do not use ink that can be easily erased.
- Date (दिनांक): Write the date on the top right corner in DD/MM/YYYY format. A cheque is valid for exactly 3 months from this date.
- Pay (प्राप्तकर्ता): Write the name of the person or company you are paying. Draw a line after the name so nothing can be added later (e.g., "Rahul Kumar ──────").
- Rupees in Words (शब्दों में रुपये): Write the amount in words. Always add "Only" at the end (e.g., "Ten Thousand Rupees Only"). Draw a line through the remaining blank space.
- Amount in Numbers (अंकों में राशि): Write the amount in the box provided. Put the '₹' sign close to the first digit, and end with '/-' (e.g., "₹ 10000/-") so no extra zeros can be added.
- Signature (हस्ताक्षर): Sign clearly above the line on the bottom right. The signature must match the one you registered with the bank. Do not sign over the MICR numbers at the bottom.
Types of Cheques You Must Know
चेक के प्रकार जो आपको जानने चाहिए
1. Bearer Cheque (धारक चेक)
If you just write a name and sign, it is a bearer cheque. Anyone who physically holds (bears) the cheque can go to your Gramin Bank branch and encash it across the counter. Warning: It is as risky as carrying cash. If lost, anyone can cash it.
2. Order Cheque (आदेश चेक)
If you strike out the word "Or Bearer" printed on the right side of the cheque, it becomes an Order cheque. Only the person whose name is written can encash it after showing their ID to the bank teller.
3. Crossed / Account Payee Cheque (रेखांकित / खाता देय चेक)
This is the safest method. Draw two parallel diagonal lines on the top left corner of the cheque and write "A/C Payee" between them. This means the money cannot be withdrawn as cash. It must be deposited directly into the bank account of the person whose name is written on it.
What is a CTS 2010 Cheque?
CTS 2010 चेक क्या है?
All Gramin Banks now issue CTS (Cheque Truncation System) compliant cheques. You will see "CTS 2010" printed vertically on the left side of the cheque leaf.
Under CTS, physical cheques are not transported between banks. The depositing bank scans the cheque and sends the image electronically to your Gramin Bank for clearing. This reduces clearing time from 3 days to just 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न (FAQs)
Q1. What happens if a cheque bounces?
प्र1. यदि चेक बाउंस (अस्वीकृत) हो जाता है तो क्या होता है?
A cheque "bounces" or is "dishonored" when the bank refuses to pay it. The most common reason is Insufficient Funds (आपके खाते में पर्याप्त पैसे न होना). The bank will charge a penalty fee (₹100 to ₹500) to both the issuer and depositor. Issuing a cheque without enough balance is a criminal offense under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, punishable by fine or imprisonment.
Q2. Can I stop payment of a cheque?
प्र2. क्या मैं चेक का भुगतान रोक सकता हूं?
Yes. If you lose a cheque or realize you made a mistake, you can instruct your Gramin Bank to "Stop Payment" before the cheque is presented for clearing. You must provide the exact cheque number. Banks charge a small fee for this service.
Q3. What is a Post-Dated Cheque (PDC)?
प्र3. उत्तर-दिनांकित चेक (PDC) क्या है?
A Post-Dated Cheque bears a future date. For example, if today is January 1st, and you write February 1st on the cheque, the receiver cannot encash it until February 1st. These are commonly used for paying loan EMIs.
Q4. What is a Cancelled Cheque used for?
प्र4. रद्द (Cancelled) चेक का उपयोग किस लिए किया जाता है?
To provide a cancelled cheque, simply draw two large diagonal lines across the cheque and write "CANCELLED" in big letters. Do not sign it. It is used purely as proof of your bank account details (Account number, Name, and IFSC Code) when setting up mutual funds, EPF withdrawals, or salary accounts.
Q5. My signature on the cheque slightly differs from my bank record. Will it pass?
प्र5. चेक पर मेरे हस्ताक्षर मेरे बैंक रिकॉर्ड से थोड़े अलग हैं। क्या यह पास होगा?
No. In the CTS system, signatures are verified strictly. If there is a mismatch, the cheque will be returned with the memo "Signature Differs." Always practice your registered signature.