Srinagar: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti Monday, said that if economic development is of vital importance for improvement in the quality of life for every society then creating financial infrastructure remains at the core of this development. Today again, I feel happy to inaugurate this magnificent office of J&K Bank, which remains at the forefront of not only financial empowerment of people in Jammu and Kashmir but a pioneer in creating state-of-the-art infra-structure for its productive and efficient functioning.

CM stated this soon after inaugurating J&K Bank’s North Zone Office Complex, Sopore in presence of Chairman and CEO Parvez Ahmed, MP Rajya Sabha from Kupwara Fayaz Ahmad Mir, MLA Rafiabad Yawar Dilawar Mir, Directors on Bank’s Board M Maqbool Rather, M Ashraf Mir, Executive Presidents, Sr President, Presidents, Vice Presidents and other officers of the bank.

The office complex for the zone comprising districts of Barmulla, Bandipora and Kupwara, is located on the main road at Amargarh Sopore. The sprawling and state-of-the-art Zonal Complex comfortably houses Currency Chest, cluster office, LDM office, Business Unit, Residential Apartments, Stationery Department and an Onsite ATM. The new currency chest will cater to 78 branches of all banks operating in Sopore Sub District and Bandipore District.

“On this occasion, I hope the bank embarks on new journeys of excellence and expect it to continue playing the major role in defining the economic future of this place by furthering its finances in vital sectors like education and housing which form the most significant part of our socio-economic infrastructure. Besides, financing generously to the entrepreneurs and start-up enterprises should be prioritized and effectively taken care of”, She added.

“Having said that, I think the kind of benchmarks this bank has been setting in its commitment to people’s empowerment, overcoming challenges and leveraging its given resources for expanding its base and deepening its footprint is worth emulating for all departments of state government”, she remarked.

The chief minister advised the banks to extend hassle free credit facilities to the people in the state. “Easy access to credit will bring enthusiasm to people belonging to core economic sectors and ultimately the economic activity will gather pace. This will bring prosperity all around,” she said.

Thanking the Chief Minister for sparing her valuable time for the event, Chairman and CEO Parvez Ahmed said, “It is a matter of great honour to have Chief Minister here inaugurating the Zonal Office Complex which has been very important project for the people of this region whose contributions to the state economy remains of great significance.

“Creation of complexes like this one are meant to consolidate our state-wide expansion and to align our operational structure with the convenience and comfort of our people across the state. This office shall play a key role in streamlining our business further besides taking us nearer to our growing customer base across the zone”, he added.

The Chairman thanked the chief minister for being gracious enough in the past in the area by inaugurating state-of-the-art infrastructure of the bank in terms of its zonal office complex and currency chest in district Baramulla.

On the sidelines of the event, Chairman interacted with the MP Rajya Sabha Fayaz Ahmad Mir and MLA Rafiabad Yawar Mir.

“By establishing such a huge office in the zone we plan to transform not only the business scene of this zone but take our relationship with this zone to next level”, he said.

He further added, “It will enhance the efforts of bank to provide credit linkages to area specific activities like support for sheep rearing, horticulture, apiculture, walnut industry, export grade furniture industry, high density pattern farming, tourism and other activities having local competencies like marble and gypsum industries. In short term, this office will improve the services delivery mechanism across the zone in remarkable terms.”

On the occasion, Chairman urged the entire management and staff to gear up for realizing the great potential of the zone that holds immense promise in business and entrepreneurship and aim for a 100 pc increase in the total business from 9000 Cr to 18000 Cr in the next three years.

Shortly after the inauguration, Chief Minister was given a detailed presentation about the zonal complex spread on 15 kanals of land with built-up area 29000 sft. The construction cost of the complex is Rs 41 Cr in approximate terms.

Having the distinction of being unique in J&K in terms of architectural layout, the new zonal office is centrally located and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like Conference Hall, Staff Training Rooms, Campus Residential Apartments and Pathway for specially-abled persons as well. Its basement has parking for 50 vehicles.

Guest