J&K Bank is doing a wonderful job by not only aligning itself with the peoples' needs and financial aspirations but by practically devising financial solutions as per their specific and specialised requirements. The leadership capabilities of its management, commitment of its staff and extensive support of the people of J&K has turned this institution into one of the best in the country. Financial analysts, awards and awaam (people) acknowledge its uninterrupted growth and resounding success. The impressive targets of Rs 1000 crore for net profit and Rs One Lac Crore for business by the end of this financial year set by the bank for itself would be a milestone in the bank's journey.
This was stated by Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Finance & Ladakh Affairs, J&K, after he inaugurated bank's new business unit at Chraripora, Pakherpora in district Budgam today. Tafazal Hussain, Bank's Executive President, B.A Lone, Bank's President and Zonal Head for Kashmir Central, Khursheed Ahmad, DDC Budgam, Vaqarul Mulk Nazki, bank's Vice-President, Abdul Hamid Khan, bank's Cluster Head for Budgam, M A Wanchoo, bank's Incharge for Marketing, Mohammed Yousuf, head, b/u Chraripora, senior officiers of district administration, bank officials and a scores of customers were also present on the occasion.
Describing J&K Bank as a peoples' bank, Rather said that peoples' association with J&K Bank is unequated and matchless. "The intensity of this envious association can be gauged from the fact that whenever people come to me with a demand for a bank branch in their respective areas, J&K Bank is their unambiguous choice. It's all because J&K Bank has been able to establish its credibility as a people-friendly institution" he said.
"People know and expect that a business dealing with J&K Bank is sure to better their economic fortunes, he added.
Appealing locals to remain faithful and honest in their transactions with the bank, Rather stressed on the need to invest loans in productive ventures to ensure maximum circulation of money and individual economic empowerment, which can further lead to economic well being of the state as a whole.
Asking J&K Bank authorities to further explore investment options with their home state, Rather reiterated his warning to other major banking players operating in the state for their reluctance to extend loans and advances in the J&K. "Flight of capital is unacceptable and these bank should down their shutters in case they are not willing to contribute to the state's development".
Tafazal Hussain in his address revealed the bank's plan to further improve the CD Ratio by taking it to around 65%. J&K Bank is exploring potential areas to invest in the state. "We are seriously eyeing on agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts and entrepreneurship", he said.
Describing financial inclusion as J&K Bank's mantra, Tafazal said that bank was committed to reach every home of the state with a sole purpose of contributing in economic renovation of the people and economic revival of the state.
He urged the locals to inculcate saving habits and avail various credit facilities available with the bank. "By the efforts of J&K Bank and state government, RBI has finally extended interest subvention available under KCC to J&K Bank. It is a wonderful product, available at highly subsidized rate of interest, as low as 4%, so avail it to better your agricultural produce as it helps you meet emergency financial requirements in a hassle free manner", he said.
The function concluded with the presentation of vote of thanks by Bashir Ahmad Lone, President and Zonal Head of the bank.