Srinagar, October 15 (KINS): Jammu & Kashmir Bank organised a customer interaction and felicitation meet at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Lassipora, on Wednesday to strengthen its engagement with the industrial and horticulture sectors.
Held under the theme “Our Customer—Our Privilege,” the programme brought together over 50 representatives from controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage businesses, the fruit trade and other industrial units.
The interaction was chaired by the Bank’s Chief General Manager (Credit), Ashutosh Sareen, in the presence of General Manager and Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri, General Manager Suresh Kumar Chowdhary, Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar, Zonal Head (Pulwama) Masood Ahmad Lankar, DGM and Head M&LC (Kashmir) Nuzhat Parveen, cluster heads and other senior officials.
The participating customers were led by Industrial Estate Lassipora President Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) President Bashir Ahmad Naik, and Fruit Mandi Pulwama President Javad Ahmad.
Addressing the gathering, CGM Ashutosh Sareen reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the agriculture and horticulture sectors, particularly businesses involved in apple storage, processing and trade.
“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.
He stressed the importance of cooperation between the Bank and its customers in addressing banking-related concerns while complying with regulatory requirements.
“Customer engagement becomes meaningful when listening leads to action. We are committed to addressing 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, Industrial Estate Lassipora President Mukhtar Ahmad Khan thanked the Bank’s leadership for its continued support to apple production, storage and processing. He said the industrial estate houses around 950 industrial units, providing employment to nearly 20,000 people and contributing significantly 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 challenges faced by industrial units, Khan pointed to rising input costs, working capital requirements, delays in credit disbursement and issues related to collateral-free credit guarantee schemes. He sought the Bank’s continued support in addressing these concerns.
JKPICCA President Bashir Ahmad Naik also called for a dedicated mechanism through which the association could periodically discuss industry-specific banking issues with the Bank’s concerned authorities.
In his welcome address, General Manager and Divisional Head (Kashmir) Arshad Qadri reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting growers, traders and others associated with horticulture and allied sectors.
He said the interaction aimed, among other things, to explore ways to bridge the gap between apple production and storage capacity, particularly to benefit small and marginal farmers, who 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.
General Manager (CIBF) Suresh Kumar Chowdhary responded to the issues raised by participants, emphasising the importance of timely credit and adequate working capital for the smooth functioning of businesses.
“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.
The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with the Bank’s leadership listening to customers’ concerns and responding to their queries during the meeting.
The Bank reiterated its commitment to examining the issues raised and considering the suggestions received in accordance with its established guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of participating customers by the Bank’s senior leadership.(KINS)
J&K Bank holds customer interaction, felicitation meet at Lassipora
