Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Employees Coordination Committee (JKECC) has strongly condemned Jammu & Kashmir Bank for deducting double Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) from the salary accounts of government employees in June 2025, just ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha festival. The move, described as “arbitrary” and “insensitive,” has sparked widespread outrage among employees, who are already grappling with financial strain during the festive season.
According to the JKECC, the bank debited double EMIs from thousands of government employees, including teachers, clerks, hospital staff, and pensioners, without prior notice or consultation. This unexpected deduction has left many with depleted or negative account balances, severely impacting their ability to meet festive expenses. The timing, coinciding with Eid preparations, has amplified the distress, with employees labeling the action as a “cruel blow” to their financial stability.
“This is not just a technical error; it’s an assault on the trust of hardworking employees,” said a JKECC spokesperson during a press conference in Srinagar. “Deducting double EMIs without warning, especially on the eve of Eid, shows a complete disregard for the financial realities of ordinary citizens.” The committee has demanded an immediate reversal of the extra deductions and a public apology from the bank’s management.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with complaints from affected employees. One user posted, “DISGRACEFUL! Double-dipping loan EMIs during Eid? Siphoning off customers’ hard-earned money with zero warning is OUTRAGEOUS! Refund NOW!” Another urged the Jammu & Kashmir administration and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to intervene, highlighting the erosion of trust in the banking system.
The issue has also drawn criticism from other groups, including the Shahre Khass Traders and Chambers, who described the bank’s actions as “unjustified” and called for urgent intervention from J&K Bank’s top management. Additionally, a delegation from the Shrine Board Employees Union raised similar concerns with their CEO, noting that the double deductions have caused undue financial stress and disrupted financial planning.
In response, J&K Bank has claimed that the deductions were made in line with RBI guidelines and were related to pending installments from previous periods. A statement from the bank has clarified that the bank is engaging with stakeholders to address concerns and explore viable solutions within the regulatory framework. However, the explanation has done little to quell public anger, with many employees demanding greater transparency and accountability.
The JKECC has appealed to the Jammu & Kashmir administration, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to take immediate action to ensure the reversal of the deductions and prevent similar incidents in the future. They have also called on the RBI to investigate the bank’s practices, citing an “ethical vacuum” in its operations.
As the controversy unfolds, the JKECC has vowed to escalate the matter through protests and further dialogue with authorities if the bank fails to address the grievances promptly. With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, the affected employees are hoping for swift resolution to restore their financial stability and festive spirit.
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