Jammu, Nov 29: Banks operating in Jammu & Kashmir have disbursed ₹43,017 crore in credit to 10.07 lakh beneficiaries during the first half of FY 2025–26, the UT administration announced on Friday. The figures were shared at the 17th UT-Level Bankers’ Committee (UTLBC) meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, where the government called for intensified lending in priority sectors and improved outreach in under-banked pockets.
Chairing the review meeting in Jammu, the Chief Secretary said that despite disruptions stemming from the Pahalgam terror attack, subsequent cross-border tensions, and floods, priority sector lending in the UT “has remained satisfactory.” He said agriculture remains a “major opportunity” and urged banks to extend appropriate and hassle-free credit to strengthen the sector.
He pressed banks to scale up lending under key government schemes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), PM Vishwakarma, Mission YUVA, and Homestays, all aimed at expanding self-employment opportunities. Dulloo also stressed the need to improve the Credit–Deposit (CD) Ratio and enhance credit flow to Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including MD & CEO J&K Bank Amitava Chatterjee; Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya; Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, along with representatives from RBI, NABARD, BSNL, insurance companies, and banking institutions.
Dulloo also directed banks—particularly private sector banks—to expand services in unbanked and under-banked areas of J&K, ensuring wider access. He urged improved enrolment under social security schemes including PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY, besides timely settlement of claims.
Earlier, J&K Bank MD & CEO and Convenor UTLBC Amitava Chatterjee reiterated the sector’s commitment to economic development in the UT. “We remain steadfast in strengthening financial empowerment, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing access to credit across all segments,” he said.
General Manager (UTLBC) Ashutosh Sareen presented the performance report, outlining achievements under the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) and progress across schemes such as Mission YUVA, PMEGP, PMFME, HADP, KCC, SHG–Bank Linkage, financial inclusion drives, and social security programmes.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the UTLBC General Manager, who emphasised timely implementation of decisions to sustain inclusive economic development in Jammu & Kashmir.
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