Kargil: In a significant move aimed at addressing staffing gaps and improving banking services in the Kargil district, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, has strongly advocated for a special recruitment drive exclusively for local youth. He stressed that giving preference to candidates from Kargil would not only tackle the shortage of staff at J&K Bank branches but also improve service delivery, thanks to their linguistic and cultural familiarity with the region.
The appeal was made during a detailed meeting with Shri Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director & CEO of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd., held earlier today.
Dr. Akhoon emphasized the urgent need to expand and strengthen banking outreach across Kargil, particularly in remote and underserved areas. He pointed out that most JK Bank branches in the district are understaffed, and urged the bank’s top leadership to prioritize local appointments and ensure that employees from Kargil are posted within the district itself.
Among the key proposals discussed during the meeting was the opening of a new JK Bank branch at the Council Secretariat, LAHDC Kargil, utilizing the existing JK Bank Chest premises at Kurbathang. The location, he said, would serve numerous government offices and significantly improve accessibility for public officials and citizens alike.
The CEC also sought the establishment of Ultra Small Branches (USBs) in rural belts of Kargil, pointing out that while over 20 USBs function in Leh district, many villages in Kargil still lack even basic banking services.
To bridge this gap, Dr. Akhoon requested the deployment of a new Mobile Bank/Van for Kargil. Currently, the only mobile van is stationed in Zanskar, leaving other regions without mobile banking access.
Highlighting the need for improved services in emerging commercial hubs, the CEC proposed a JK Bank branch near the Petrol Pump in the industrial area, strategically located along the Leh-Kargil National Highway and frequented by small-scale industrial units.
To enhance banking convenience for both residents and tourists, he also recommended the installation of new ATMs at key public and tourist locations including Council Secretariat, Balti Bazar, Tourist Facilitation Centre (Bemathang), Doordarshan Kendra, Ashuna Resort, and the War Memorial in Drass.
Additional proposals included a full-fledged branch at Parkachik, and ultra-small branches in Drass and Barsoo, all aimed at deepening financial inclusion in far-flung parts of the district.
Responding to the proposals, Shri Amitava Chatterjee appreciated the CEC’s proactive approach and assured that the bank would actively evaluate and implement the suggestions in a phased and prioritized manner.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening the banking network in Kargil, ensuring that the region’s financial needs are addressed through inclusive, efficient, and locally rooted services.
