MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday, urging his intervention in establishing a separate JK Bank zone for Bandipora.
Expressing strong objections to the recent realignment, Bhat highlighted the severe inconvenience faced by residents of Bandipora after JK Bank placed its branches under Budgam Zone and Ganderbal Cluster.
He argued that the move has created unnecessary hardships for loan applicants and customers compelling them to undertake long and repeated journeys to complete their banking formalities.
Bhat personally handed over a grievance letter to the CM in the presence of the Chief Secretary, emphasizing that the decision has adversely affected local businesses and unemployed youth seeking financial assistance.
The People of Bandipora, despite having one of the best-performing JK Bank branches with the lowest NPA are being subjected to step-motherly treatment. Aligning Bandipora branches with Budgam and Ganderbal is unjust and detrimental to economic growth,” Bhat stated.
Responding to Bhat’s appeal, CM Omar Abdullah promptly directed the Chief Secretary to examine the matter and take necessary action.
The residents of Bandipora have long faced challenges due to the realignment and this appeal to the Chief Minister highlights the urgent need for a more localized banking structure.People of the district hope that the administration will take swift action to resolve the issue, ensuring that financial services are easily accessible without forcing individuals to travel long distances for basic banking needs.