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| J&K Bank’s 87 years of Trust, Growth, Transformation & Empowerment | | | Omkar Dattatray
Jammu and Kashmir Bank is the premier financial and banking institution of J&K. It will be no exaggeration to say that this bank is the bank to the Jammu and Kashmir government. The bank has passed through trails and turbulations and all along contributed to the economic empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This bank has helped in the inclusive development and transformation of the gullible masses of the UT. J &k bank is in the service of Jammu and Kashmir people from the last 87 years and during these long years this bank has graduated to become a primer baking and financial institution of Jammu and Kashmir. On October 1,2025, J&K bank completed its 87th year of service to the people. The theme of the bank ‘’service, trust, and empowerment’’ is a longstanding commitment. Since 1938, J&K bank has empowered people across generations. The bank has grown savings, powered businesses, enabled education, supported farmers and artisans and in fact bringing inclusive and seamless banking services. It was founded by the then ruler Maharaja Hari Singh on October 1,1938. Jammu and Kashmir bank was the first state-owned bank in India and has served as the banker to the government of J&K. Despite facing challenges, such as the partition in 1947, the bank has demonstrated resilience and has remained a cornerstone of the region’s economy. J & K bank has at its credit several milestones such as celebrating its platinum jubilee in 2013 as it observed 75 years of its service to people. IN 2024 the bank celebrated 86 years of trust and innovation. The J&K bank marked 87 years of ‘’trust, progress, and togetherness ‘’reinforcing its enduring connection and legacy with the community.
Banks Financial empowerment initiatives include—a-Mission YUVA—In partnership with the J&K government, the bank provides financial assistance and counselling to help young entrepreneurs launch sustainable ventures.—b—Lal Ded Stree Shakti Loan Scheme—This program is specifically designed to empower women by helping them take charge of their financial future.-c—Financial Literacy Campaigns---The bank conducts awareness campaigns through various media to educate citizens on digital banking, cybersecurity, savings, and government schemes.—d—Empowering Farmers—Through schemes like the kisan credit card and promotion of the prompt Repayment incentive ,the bank helps farmers become more self -sufficient.
Service and community support—J&K banks commitment to the community extends beyond finance to include vital social and infrastructure support. Service-based CSR projects include—a—Healthcare Support—The bank has provided hospitals across J&K and Ladakh with essential medical equipment, including wheelchairs, trolleys, ambulances, and apheresis kits for paediatric cancer patients. —b—Educational Development—Initiatives have included upgrading infrastructure for underprivileged girls at the ‘Dirshti’ hostel and providing school buses to colleges and schools in remote areas. c—Environmental Initiatives—The bank has undertaken projects like Project Vasundhara’ which involves walnut plantations for livelihood generations, and a green campus initiative at various universities. d—Support for the Armed Forces---The bank contributes to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund to support the education of the children of war martyrs.
Enduring legacy of public trust-For over eight decades bank has built its reputation by acting as a trusted partner in public service delivery and community development. This has been reinforced through—a—Government Banking Services—The bank provides citizen -friendly banking services ,such as streamlining pension disbursements through renamed MoUs with the government.-b—Transparent & Efficient Services—Modernised services, including online platforms for Kisan Credit Card reviews, are part of the bank’s effort to provide transparent, efficient, and hassle-free banking.—c—Resilience and Reliability—The bank has maintained its operations and services through periods of economic and political instability ,cementing its role as a reliable financial institution for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir bank has played an exceptional role in shaping the financial and economic landscape of the region for almost nine decades. Celebrating its 87th birth anniversary is not just a commemoration of a date in history but a reminder of how a regional banking institution grew into a symbol of trust, resilience, and progress. Established in 1938 with the vision of providing financial inclusion, economic stability, and opportunities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the bank has witnessed multiple eras of transformation, both in the state and in the broader Indian financial system, It, has survived political upheavals, natural challenges, and economic shifts, yet continued to serve as a lifeline for millions of customers spread across cities, towns, and rural belts. The establishment of J&K bank was a revolutionary step at the time. In an era when banking services were a luxury in most parts of India,the bank came as a saviour for the people who relied largely on traditional money lenders. It was envisioned as a semi-government financial institution that could bring modern banking practices to the doorsteps of the people of the region while still keeping the cultural, economic and social needs of the area in mind. The foundation laid in 1938 became the stepping stone for what would later emerge as one of the most trusted banks of the northern belt of India. Its creation was also a testimony to the foresight of the leadership of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, who realised that financial empowerment was as critical as political freedom and social growth. Over the decades, the bank developed a unique identity as not just a financial institution but also a community partner. The institution gave priority to agriculture, trade, handicrafts, and small businesses, which formed the backbone of the local economy. The artisans of Kashmir who were struggling to find markets for their shawls, carpets, and wooden crafts, found in J&K bank a reliable partner that supported them with credit and other banking services. The, farmers of J&K, who faced financial uncertainty due to seasonal agriculture, also benefitted from the schemes the bank introduced. Its localised approach,unlike many larger nationalised banks ,gave it an edge in understanding and addressing the needs of its customers. The resilience of the J &K bank lies in the fact that it continued to function and expand even during turbulent times. The region witnessed decades of political instability, but the bank never closed its doors to the common people. It became a symbol of continuity, a place where people found assurances that no matter what happened around them ,their savings and financial needs would remain safeguarded. The banks employees working in sometimes adverse conditions, contributed greatly to this legacy of trust. Many branches of the bank became more than just centres of for transactions; they became community hubs where people discussed their financial hopes and aspirations. Another, significant contribution of J&K bank has been in employment generation. For the youth of J&K, securing a job in the bank has often been seen as a matter of pride and stability. Generations of families have worked with the bank, passing down not only their experience but also their loyalty. The institution has provided thousands of direct jobs and indirectly supported lakhs through business linkages, loans, and development financing. For many young graduates, the bank became their first window, offering them opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach in the limited industrial environment of the region. With the liberalisation of the economy and expansion of the financial sector, J&K bank reinvented itself. It adopted modern technology, brought digital banking services to its customers, and established a strong presence outside J&K as well. The bank spread its operations across India, making its name as a pan Indian financial institution while still retaining its core identity. From mobile banking to digital payments, it has kept pace with the rapid changes in the banking industry. At the same time, it has not lost sight of its roots, ensuring that small savers in a rural village is treated with the same care as a corporate client in a metro city. In brief as the bank celebrated its 87th birth anniversary, it stands as a bridge between tradition and modernity. The, journey of the bank continues with vision, practice and pride. As, the J&K bank stepped into its eighty-eight years, it carries with it the blessings of its people, the wisdom of its history, and the determination to serve with even greater strength in the years to come.
The author is a columnist, socia, KP activist & Freelancer |
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