Swarozgar Utsav: Secretary DFS hails J&K Bank’s role in socio-economic upliftment

Srinagar, Dec 02: Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Dr Vivek Joshi on Saturday visited the J&K Bank Corporate Headquarters here during the ‘Swarozgar Utsav’ event and expressed satisfaction with various welfare schemes under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme. He hailed the “transformative impact” of these schemes on people’s lives.
During the event, Dr Joshi toured stalls showcasing entrepreneurs benefiting from the bank’s financial support under different employment generation schemes. He also interacted with young entrepreneurs, lauding the commendable efforts of J&K Bank in the effective implementation of government schemes. The Vivek expressed admiration for the craftsmanship displayed and the skills of local individuals sponsored by the bank, emphasizing their impressive and unparalleled contributions.
Regarding the newly launched PM Vishwakarma Scheme, the Secretary DFS highlighted its holistic support for traditional artists and craftspeople in 18 identified trades. The scheme aims to provide skill training, collateral-free credit, modern tools, market linkage support, and incentives for digital transactions, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive development.
Dr Joshi stressed the need to deepen digital penetration and urged banks to enhance public awareness of digital fraud risks. He highlighted the importance of sustained sensitisation about updating nominations and regularising inoperative accounts for the public’s benefit.
During the event, sanction letters worth Rs 45 crore were distributed among beneficiaries availing bank finance under various products and sponsored schemes. A corporate movie showcasing the bank’s 85-year journey was screened, followed by a detailed presentation.
On the occasion, MD and CEO J&K Bank, Baldev Prakash, highlighted the bank’s pivotal role in implementing government-sponsored schemes, especially under the ‘Swarozgar Utsav’ employment generation campaign. He mentioned the significant credit provided by the bank to around 38,000 youth, benefiting over 96,000 individuals in the last five months.
He said it is high time to acknowledge the pivotal role that financial inclusion and digital banking are playing in the growth and prosperity of our country. “The credit for all this phenomenal transformation goes to the visionary financial leadership of the country that includes dignitaries from the DFS here,” he said.
MD Prakash said that the valley was gearing up for international and domestic investments. He said that the significant increase in the tourist influx was a concrete step towards boosting the economy of the UT.
“Post G20 summit in Srinagar, foreign tourism has witnessed a boost. Foreign tourists started flocking to the Kashmir Valley after the successful G20 Summit. Last year 1 crore 88 lakh tourists visited Kashmir Valley. This year more than two crore tourists have visited so far. We are hopeful that the influx will increase next year,” he said.
During the event, J&K Bank’s General Manager Ashutosh Sareen extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, especially Dr Vivek Joshi. The event was attended by the General Managers, DGMs, entrepreneurs, beneficiaries, farmers, homestay owners, media persons and other senior officials of the Bank. KCCI president Javed Ahmad Tenga and Ajaz Ahmad Qureshi were also present on the occasion.