Jammu Kashmir Bank, Grameen Bank Disburse Rs 100 Crore to 2,673 SHGs under JKRLM

SRINAGAR: In a major boost to women-led entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir, JK Bank and its sponsored entity, Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank, have disbursed loans worth Rs 100 crore to 2,673 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) operating under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM).

The milestone marks the culmination of a month-long campaign focused on strengthening the role of women entrepreneurs across the Union Territory, in line with the Government’s vision of empowering women through self-help collectives. A symbolic cheque of Rs 100 crore was presented to JKRLM during the ongoing SARAS Mela at Municipal Park, Srinagar.

The event was graced by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, as the Chief Guest. The Minister was handed over the symbolic cheque by J&K Bank’s General Manager (Retail, Agri & MSME/GSS) Rakesh Magotra and J&K Grameen Bank’s GM Raja Sajad, in presence of Mission Director JKRLM Dr Shubra Sharma, Additional Mission Director JKRLM (Kashmir) Mohammad Imran Khan, Bank’s DGM Aneet Kanwal Singh, and senior officers from NABARD, the Bank, and JKRLM.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar lauded the efforts of both banks, terming the Rs 100 crore disbursement “a significant step toward promoting self-employment and women-led enterprises in rural areas.” He said the initiative would help women in remote areas become self-reliant by creating sustainable income opportunities.

General Manager Rakesh Magotra emphasised J&K Bank’s long-standing partnership with JKRLM, describing it as a vital contributor to the Government’s mission of inclusive growth.

“J&K Bank takes pride in being an active partner in realising the Government’s vision. The achievement of this Rs 100 crore milestone under JKRLM reflects our deep commitment to strengthening the Self-Help Group ecosystem and ensuring easy access to credit that enables rural women to build and expand their enterprises with confidence,” Magotra said.

He added that the Bank’s proactive efforts to facilitate access to finance for women-led SHGs underline its broader mission of promoting inclusive growth, women empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods across Jammu and Kashmir.

Organised by JKRLM under the aegis of DAY-NRLM, the 11-day SARAS Mela has brought together women artisans and entrepreneurs from J&K and other parts of the country to showcase and sell their crafts, handlooms, traditional products, and regional cuisines.

Officials said the initiative demonstrates a coordinated push between the banking sector and JKRLM to foster women’s financial independence through collective enterprise.