Jammu Kashmir Bank Swings from Rs 1300 Cr Loss to Rs 1700 Cr Profit, Says LG

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the three-day ‘Bharat Sanrachna Jammu and Kashmir 2025’ exhibition and public outreach initiative in Srinagar, describing it as a step towards innovation-driven development and citizen-government engagement in Jammu and Kashmir. The event also served as a platform for the LG to deliver a sharp warning against divisive rhetoric and reiterate his government’s commitment to empowering youth and delivering justice to terror-affected families.

The LG began his address by condemning what he termed “irresponsible and dangerous” statements being made about cultural erosion and demographic changes due to tourism in the region. “Those comparing today’s development to demographic invasion are echoing the same language as terror outfits like TRF. Such narratives have cost us innocent lives in the past and must stop,” Sinha said firmly.

Asserting that his administration is committed to delivering justice to victims of terrorism, Sinha revealed that job letters under SRO-43 will soon be handed over directly to eligible families, correcting past misuse where, he alleged, “killers were given jobs instead of victims.”

The Lieutenant Governor detailed a transformative economic vision for Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Union Territory’s economy has doubled over the past five to six years. He noted that Jammu and Kashmir Bank, once facing losses of Rs 1,300 crore, is now reporting profits of Rs 1,700 crore. “Jammu and Kashmir has become a favourite investment destination, with more BPOs on the horizon,” he added.

Praising the Centre’s schemes, the LG expressed optimism about the future. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, youth from Jammu and Kashmir will one day enter the space sector, becoming astronauts and innovators,” Sinha remarked. He described the ongoing ‘Amrit Kaal’ as a golden opportunity for the region, especially the next 22 years, provided young people are given active roles in nation-building.

The LG applauded the ‘Bharat Sanrachna Jammu and Kashmir 2025’ exhibition for highlighting central schemes and fostering awareness about welfare programmes and technological innovation. Ministries including Defence, Mines, MSME, Commerce, Space, and Tourism are participating alongside national boards and research bodies. Sinha urged schools and colleges to visit the event in large numbers, calling it a critical educational opportunity.

The exhibition features live demonstrations, interactive displays, career guidance sessions, and showcases of local success stories and innovation. It also aims to empower youth, farmers, students, and entrepreneurs by creating a direct link between citizens and service delivery.

Among those present at the event were Rajya Sabha MP Er Ghulam Ali Khatana, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, and representatives from central ministries, public sector units, and local civil society. The event attracted a large turnout of students, innovators, and businesspeople.

The Lieutenant Governor concluded by reaffirming that the new Jammu and Kashmir is being built on peace, productivity, and opportunity. “This is a J&K where children carry pens instead of stones, factories hum instead of streets shutting down, and dreams take flight—not just in classrooms, but in startups and laboratories.”