Bank to provide all support required for encouragement and sustainability of economic activities : Parvez

Srinagar, Dec 1: Since our growth as a bank is intertwined with the growth of the state economy which includes trade, manufacturing, tourism, horticulture etc. besides entrepreneurship; so for the all-round development of economy we remain committed to promote and support every sector as per its requirements and meet all your genuine expectations as the premiere financial institution of the state.
Chairman and CEO J&K Bank Parvez Ahmed said this today while addressing delegations from various trade bodies that called on him here at corporate headquarters. The meetings were attended by Executive Presidents S S Sehgal, Abdul Rauf Bhat, Senior Presidents Abdul Rashid, M Syed Wani, S K Bhat, Vice Presidents Arun Gandotra, Sushil Kumar, Manzoor Hussain, Tabassum Nazir and Manzoor Ahmad Rather.
The delegations included Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) led by its President Bashir Ahmed Rather, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers & Dealers Union headed by its Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association led by its Chairman Ghulam rasool Siah and J&K Entrepreneurs Development Association led by its president Shakeel Ahmad Magray.
Welcoming the delegations in his office, Parvez Ahmed said, “For now, we are here only as custodians of trust and loyalties that you have placed in this institution but you are its permanent stakeholders. And in order to keep this institution healthy and vibrant, we shall always welcome your criticism as well as appreciation.”
“Customer service remains our top priority and there will be no compromise on this”, he added.
Besides appreciating the role of J&K Bank in the growth and development of the state all the delegations raised various issues which were promptly responded to by the Chairman and his senior management team.
Regarding the common concern of deferment in loan repayments, raised during all the meetings, Chairman informed the delegations that the bank has already proposed the re-structuring of loan accounts to Reserve Bank of India and is awaiting response from them.
However, he expressed hope that the RBI shall consider the proposal favourably as the state government has already strongly recommended the case to the RBI for favourable consideration. Responding to one of the issues related to horticulture and agriculture, he said, “Horticulture/agriculture contributes around 25 pc to our state GDP and we will definitely work to expand our financial foot-print in the much needed infra-structure in this sector which includes grading parks, Agri-clinics, testing labs and CA Stores.”
While responding to the query of staff shortage at various business units of the bank, the chairman assured that the recruitment list that is expected to come out very soon shall address to the issue.
Interacting with the delegation of entrepreneurs, Chairman assured that the bank shall provide them all the support required for their encouragement and sustainability.
On the occasion, he directed the concerned heads to close gaps, if any, in the implementation of schemes related to the budding entrepreneurs down the line.
He also directed the concerned to dedicate an email for grievances faced by the start-ups for their speedy disposal.
During these meetings the members of all the delegations made several valuable suggestions, which were duly taken note of for further consideration by the concerned heads of the departments on the occasion.
The delegation of houseboat owners association was informed that the NOCs for all their adjusted accounts shall be issued after a fortnight.
Earlier all the delegations congratulated Parvez Ahmed for assuming the highest chair in the bank and assured him of complete support and cooperation on all issues of mutual and collective interests.