Srinagar: First Lady Usha Vohra e-inaugurated the first “All Women Branch of J&K Bank” at a function organised at the SKICC Monday. Parvez Ahmad, Chairman J&K Bank was present on the occasion.
Vohra also inaugurated special services and products designed exclusively for women clients of the Bank, which included Pink Gold Saving Scheme, Pink Platinum Saving Scheme, Special Loan Facility for Women Entrepreneurs, Pink Gold Debit Card and Pink Platinum Credit Card.
The 13 all female staff of the newly inaugurated All Women Branch were presented Badges of Distinction and Responsibility by the First Lady.
Lauding the momentous step taken by the J&K Bank towards women empowerment, First Lady congratulated Chairman Ahmad and his concerned colleagues for providing opportunities for women employees and enabling them to assume leadership positions in the Organization.
Vohra expressed concern that the female participation in the labour force has registered a decline and steps must be initiated to facilitate their re-entry into the workforce by providing them a safe environment to live, work and travel to their places of work. She observed that sustained vigorous efforts are required to secure enhanced participation of women from the rural areas in the organised sector labour force, if we intend to empower women in the true sense.
Highlighting the Government’s efforts towards the emancipation of women and increasing their active role in boosting economy of the country, First Lady observed that the Govt. of India has launched various initiatives like Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao, enhanced maternity benefits for working women, in order to facilitate them and provide a conducive environment at work places.
Vohra emphasised the need to provide large scale opportunities to women for skill development in the non-traditional areas, such as plumbing, carpentary, driving, electrician etc. She expressed concern that the rate of rejection of women’s applications for loans is far higher than that in respect of men and stressed that Banks should be considerate in providing credit facility to single women entrepreneurs and business organisations and cooperatives run by women.
Vohra observed that the performance of J&K Bank would improve if it works in mission mode towards financial inclusion of Women, especially offering door step facilities to women living in villages and remote areas while making them financially independent by strengthening small and medium Entrepreneurial Ventures for Women.
Parvez Ahmad, Chairman of the Bank, presented the inaugural address and highlighted the role being played by the Bank towards women empowerment.
Rajni Saraf, President J&K Bank, presented the Welcome Address while Tabasum Nazir, Zonal Head, J&K Bank, gave the Vote of Thanks. Vimmy Choudhary conducted the entire function.
Later, an enthralling and soulful sufi musical program was presented by Shaista Hamid, Muneer A Mir and Rehana Akhtar, eminent Sufi Singers.
