J&K Bank to extend ‘Project Najath” to 6 more districts

Pulwama: To combat the menace of drug abuse, The Jammu and Kashmir Bank contemplates the expansion of “Project NAJATH,” a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, to encompass six additional districts within the Union Territory.
Initially launched on a pilot basis in Pulwama and Jammu districts, the project garnered attention as a response to the escalating challenge of substance abuse.
Syed Rais Maqbool, General Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at J&K Bank, expressed the bank’s commitment to addressing pressing societal issues, particularly those affecting the youth.
“Our plan is to broaden the project’s scope to six more districts in the current financial year. Looking ahead, we envision extending the initiative to cover all districts of Jammu and Kashmir during the next financial year,” Maqbool said.
Emphasizing the healthcare sector as a consistent priority, he highlighted the bank’s proactive approach in addressing critical issues.
Project NAJATH, labeled as an initiative for a tobacco and drug-free society, was conceived after thorough analysis of reports and studies from various media sources.
Maqbool cited the government’s sustained focus on drug de-addiction as well as the bank’s commitment to addressing the issue as driving forces behind the project.
Officials revealed consultations with key stakeholders, including the Directorate of Health Services and the Department of School Education in Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure a well-rounded approach.
The project incorporates a multi-pronged strategy involving awareness campaigns through various media channels, mobilization camps in schools, and community centers, with a focus on counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The collaboration with SPVLG Foundation, a Srinagar-based NGO, adds strength to the initiative.
Ashfaq Hussain, Director SPVLG and Programme coordinator for the project, affirmed their commitment to executing the program under the technical guidance of the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department, particularly the State Tobacco Control Cell.
He said that the pilot phase of Project NAJATH has been launched in Pulwama and Jammu, where its efficacy will undergo evaluation and refinement.
He added that following successful implementation, the ambitious plan is to extend the project’s reach to all districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, Jammu and Kashmir Bank aims to complement government and civil society efforts in addressing the issue of substance abuse in a cohesive and strategic manner” Officials of J and K Bank said.