KL Report
Srinagar
In a bid to expand its reach, HDFC Bank inaugurated one more branch and ATM at Hazratbal Srinagar. The branch was inaugurated by Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir.
HDFC, the second largest private sector bank in the India, was recently declared the strongest bank in Asia Pacific. Amongst the new generation private banks, HDFC bank currently has the largest network of 53 branches & 140 ATMs in the state.
While speaking on the occasion Zubair Iqbal, Vice President, HDFC Bank said, “We started our Journey in J & K in 2003 with a single minded focus to reach out to the large unbanked segments in the state and provide banking solutions and accessibility to funds. Today, the bank has achieved a consistent growth rate and the largest private bank network in the state in a span of 8 years.”
The bank is planning to contemplate another 10 Branches & 30 ATMs by end of March 2013.
“This large scale expansion has generated direct/indirect employment opportunities to more than 1000 state subjects. HDFC Bank has today emerged as one of the major employers in private sector in J&K. During same time, we have taken our CD Ratio to 37% with significant contribution in priority sector and agriculture,” said Iqbal.
The expansion will further bring the convenience and comfort of modern day banking to the doorstep of customers in rural & semi – urban areas like Leh, Kargil, Poonch, Doda, Rajouri, Baderwah, Handwara,Kathua, Katra, Kulgam.
In a statement the bank has informed that they have tied up with The Business School, University of Kashmir, University of Jammu and Mata Visho Devi University to initiate a Joint Certification Program to train and equip students with skills essential for the banking sector.
“Bank is also taking part in CSR initiatives in the state. Bank extended financial assistance of Rs 8.80 lacs to Chotay taray Foundation in Srinagar. This initiative helped the organisation to arrange for special education, treatment and vocational training for 60 children with multiple disabilities.”
