Srinagar, Oct 15: Strengthening its engagement with the industrial and horticulture sectors, J&K Bank today organised a customer interaction cum felicitation meet at Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Lassipora. Held under the theme “Our Customer—Our Privilege”, the programme brought together over 50 representatives of controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage businesses, fruit trade and other industrial estate activities.
The Bank’s Chief General Manager (Credit) Ashutosh Sareen chaired the interaction in presence of General Manager & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri, General Manager Suresh Kumar Chowdhary, Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar,
Zonal Head (Pulwama) Masood Ahmad Lankar, DGM & Head M&LC (Kashmir) Nuzhat Parveen, Cluster Heads and other senior officials.
The participant customers were led by President of Industrial Estate Lassipora, Mukhtar Ahmad Khan; President Jammu Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) Bashir Ahmad Naik and President Fruit Mandi (Pulwama) Javad Ahmad.
In his presidential address to the participants, CGM Ashutosh Sareen reaffirmed the Bank’s unwavering commitment in supporting the Agriculture/Horticulture industry.
“When you describe J&K Bank as your own bank, it places a special responsibility on us to honour that trust through our service and support. At Lassipora, supporting industrial growth also means supporting growers, strengthening the apple value chain and sustaining employment. Our commitment to this shared progress is unshakable and long term,” he said.
Urging participants to understand the regulatory requirements within which the Bank operates, he emphasised the importance of working together to address their banking needs.
“Customer engagement becomes meaningful when listening leads to action. We are committed to address the concerns raised here and translating your suggestions into practical improvements within the Bank’s laid-down guidelines and the applicable regulatory framework. Our shared endeavour must be to ensure that viable enterprises receive timely and responsive banking support,” he added.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, President, Industrial Estate Lassipora, Mukhtar Ahmad Khan expressed profound gratitude to the Bank’s leadership for its commitment in supporting apple production, storage and processing. He said the estate houses around 950 industrial units employing nearly 20,000 people, underscoring its importance to the local economy.
“We consider Jammu & Kashmir Bank not merely a banking institution, but our own bank—a financial partner that we have trusted for generations,” he said.
Highlighting rising input costs, working capital requirements, delays in credit disbursement and issues concerning collateral-free credit guarantee schemes, he sought continued support for the industrial community.
“We also request the Bank to consider a dedicated mechanism through which the Association can periodically discuss industry-specific banking issues with the concerned authorities,” said President (JK PICCA) Bashir Ahmad Naik on the occasion.
In his welcome address, GM & Divisional Head Arshad Qadri said, “The Bank remains committed in carrying forward the mission of empowering growers, traders and all those associated with horticulture and allied sectors. One of the objectives of this interaction is to explore ways to bridge the gap between apple production and storage capacity, particularly to benefit small and marginal farmers that constitute the majority of growers.”
“The Bank has financed over 80% of CA stores in the Valley, with an exposure of around Rs 2,000 crore to this segment. This reflects our sustained commitment to the economic empowerment and growth of people associated with horticulture,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, General Manager (CIBF) Suresh Kumar Chowdhary provided detailed responses to the issues raised by the customers in the meeting.
“We recognise the importance of timely credit and adequate working capital for the smooth functioning of your businesses. Our endeavour is to address your concerns through practical solutions and clear guidance, while ensuring compliance with the Bank’s policies and regulatory requirements,” he said.
Based on an agenda circulated in advance, the deliberations were held in a cordial atmosphere. The Bank’s leadership listened attentively and patiently to the participants’ concerns and responded on spot to their satisfaction.
The Bank’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment in resolving all the issues raised and implementing all the suggestions received within the Bank’s laid-down guidelines and the applicable regulatory framework.
The Bank’s senior leadership also felicitated the participants on the occasion.
