Edu minister flags-off five buses under J&K Bank CSR for Degree Colleges in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 23: Reinforcing its commitment to educational empowerment and equitable access, J&K Bank today donated another set of five buses under its corporate social responsibility program to the Government Degree Colleges located in rural areas of Kashmir Division.
Minister of Higher Education Sakeena Itoo today flagged off these buses from Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial (AAAM) Degree College, Srinagar in the presence of Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA (Tangmarg) Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA (Sopore) Irshad Ahmad Kar, Additional Secretary (HED) Afaq Ahmad, Director State Motor Garages Malik Tahir Gani, Incharge Director Colleges Dr Firdous Giri, Director Finance (HED) Abdul Majid Butt and Principal AAAM Degree College Prof. (Dr) Mudasir Afshan.
The Bank’s GM & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Shabir Ahmad, DGM (CSR) Anup Bhat, Zonal Heads Fayaz Ahmad, Khurshid Muzaffar, Raja Zaffar Khan and Irfan Anjum along with senior officials from the Bank, finance and higher education department were also present on the occasion.
Minister of Education also handed over the symbolic bus keys to the Principals of Govt. Degree Colleges Tulail, Damhal Hanji Pora, Tangmarg, and Women’s Degree Colleges of Sopore and Kupwara. While appreciating the role of J&K Bank in the overall economic development of Jammu and Kashmir, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo had a special note of gratitude for the Bank’s CSR program.
She said, “On behalf of the government, I am very thankful to the bank for this thoughtful CSR initiative that directly supports the academic aspirations of our youth. Since inclusive access to education has been a key focus of the Government, J&K Bank’s contribution today is another meaningful step in that direction.”
“These buses will go a long way in easing the daily commute for hundreds of students belonging to rural and far flung areas and help colleges implement the National Education Policy in its true spirit. And I hope the Bank would continue to extend its support under CSR to the critical sectors in J&K especially in health and education”, she added.
Speaking on the occasion, GM & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Shabir Ahmad thanked the Education Minister, Advisor to CM and other dignitaries for their valuable time and presence. He further said, “These buses are not merely a means of transport but vehicles of opportunity, connecting students from remote areas to institutions of learning and growth. This initiative aligns with our commitment to inclusive development.”
In his remarks, DGM (CSR) Anup Bhat said, “Going forward with an increased budget allocation in CSR funds, we will continue to remain at the forefront of extending every possible support to different sections of society, especially in J&K, as per the applicable guidelines.”
With five buses already flagged off by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for colleges in the Jammu Division last week, a fleet of ten buses have been provided by the Bank to ten Government Degree Colleges located across rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Notably, these buses will not only enhance academic access but also support colleges in organizing field visits, internships, and exposure tours, as envisioned under the NEP 2020.