Continuing its strategic focus on unbanked rural areas, J&K Bank opened yet another business unit at Rangar, a remote village in district Budgam Wednesday.
The unit was inaugurated by Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister of Finance & Ladakh Affairs in presence of Sahibzada Ghulam Mohi-ud-din, Bank's Executive President. Others present on the occasion included Khursheed Ahmad, DDC Budgam, Bashir Ahmad Lone, Bank's President & Zonal Head for Kashmir Central, Viqar-ul-Mulk Nazki, Bank's Vice-President, Abdul Hamid Khan, Cluster Head and and M A Wanchoo, Incharge Marketing.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister hailed J&K Bank's contribution to the state's economy and described it as a proud institution of the J&K that has carved a niche and established its credibility across India.
"J&K Bank has been growing and expanding at an impressive scale. Its strong fundamentals are being acknowledged pan-India by economists, financial experts and rating companies. Though it is a matter of pride for us that J&K Bank has a sizeable presence outside the state of J&K but the acclaimimg reality is that J&K Bank's priority continues to be the people of J&K", he said.
Asking farmers to avail the facility available under Kissan Credit Card Scheme, Rather said that it was a hassle-free finance available at a meager rate of interest that farmers can avail to meet their emergency requirements. "It was possible only due to the serious efforts of the state government and J&K Bank management that Government of India could be persuaded for extending the Interest Subvention Clause of the scheme to J&K Bank. Now that it is available at your doorsteps, avail it to boost your produce", he said.
Sahibzada in his address gave a brief overview of the bank's financial inclusion plan and informed the gathering about the bank's plan to pave way for 100% financial inclusion in the state by establishing a business unit or a Khidmat Centre in all the areas/ villages, which have a population of 2000 or more.
He assured the gathering bank's support and commitment to live upto their expectations by financing liberally in economic as well as human resources sectors. "J&K Bank is for a better economic future of the state of J&K as well as its people. Agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, education and entrepreneurship continue to be the focus of our credit dispensation strategy as, we believe, they are the potential sectors that can change the economic landscape of the state, he emphasized.
The function culminated with the vote of thanks presented by Bashir Ahmad Lone, Bank's President & Zonal Head for Kashmir Central.