Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Bank held a customer interaction and felicitation meet at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Lassipora, bringing together over 50 representatives from controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage businesses, fruit trade and other industrial sectors to discuss banking issues and support for industrial growth.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the programme was held under the theme “Our Customer Our Privilege” to strengthen the Bank’s engagement with the industrial and horticulture sectors.
The Bank’s Chief General Manager (Credit), Ashutosh Sareen, chaired the interaction 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 participants were led by Industrial Estate Lassipora President Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, Jammu Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) President Bashir Ahmad Naik, and Fruit Mandi (Pulwama) President Javad Ahmad.
Addressing the participants, Sareen reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
“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, Sareen 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, Industrial Estate Lassipora President Mukhtar Ahmad Khan expressed gratitude to the Bank’s leadership for its support for 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, Khan 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,” JKPICCA President Bashir Ahmad Naik said.
In his welcome address, General Manager and Divisional Head Arshad Qadri said the Bank remained committed to empowering growers, traders and others 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,” he said.
“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 customers during 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.
The deliberations, based on an agenda circulated in advance, were held in a cordial atmosphere. The Bank’s leadership listened to the participants’ concerns and responded to their queries on the spot. The Bank’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issues raised and considering the suggestions received within its laid-down guidelines and the applicable regulatory framework. Senior officials also felicitated the participants.—(KNO)