J&K Bank makes 312 branches, 189 ATMS operational in valley

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Wednesday said it has made 312 branches and 189 automated teller machines (ATMs) functional in the Valley.

Most branches of the bank had either been submerged or become non-functional due to loss of connectivity during the recent floods.

Sajad Bazaz, spokesman of the bank, told IANS: "While combating post flood situation which had left all banking operations out of gear, J&K Bank has made 312 Branches and 189 ATMs operational in the Valley to pull people out of cash distress situation."

He said over Rs.72 crore were withdrawn from the branches and over Rs.13 crore from ATMs of the bank across the Valley.

"Notably, out of 379 branches of the bank working in 10 districts of the Kashmir region, 312 have been made operational. Besides, 189 ATMs have been put in service as on date despite connectivity constraints."

People across the Valley, especially in Srinagar city where 42 branches out of a network of 88 have been made operational, have hailed the efforts of the bank, he added.

Bazaz said the management of the bank is working round the clock to ensure full restoration of all delivery points of the bank in the valley.

J&K Bank, which has the maximum number of branches in Jammu and Kashmir, holds the major share of people's savings in the Valley.

The bank has already allayed fears the depositors had about the safety of their savings with it.