Officials said UT banks disbursed ₹43,017 crore by September; Dulloo urged continued priority-sector lending, stressing agriculture’s growth potential and the need to support farmers despite recent challenges
JAMMU
Over 10.07 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir received credit support in the first half of the 2025–26 financial year, with banks giving loans worth more than Rs 43,000 crore. The update was shared during the 17th UT-Level Bankers’ Committee meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo in Jammu. The meeting reviewed how banks and financial institutions performed in giving loans and services during the first quarter and first half of the year.
Officials said banks in the UT disbursed Rs 43,017 crore to beneficiaries between April and September. Dulloo noted that despite difficult months marked by the Pahalgam terror attack, cross-border tensions, and floods, lending to the priority sector stayed on track. He said agriculture continues to be a major chance for growth, and banks must support farmers with suitable loans to help the UT’s economy grow stronger.
The chief secretary urged banks to offer easy and quick loans under schemes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), PM Vishwakarma, Mission YUVA, and Homestays. These schemes aim to create more self-employment options for young people. He also said the Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio of the UT needs improvement, and banks should increase credit to Self-Help Groups.
Dulloo stressed improving lending in key priority areas like agriculture, housing, education, and social infrastructure. He asked banks, especially private ones, to expand their presence in unbanked and under-banked areas so that people everywhere can access basic banking services. He further directed banks to improve enrolment in social security schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and the Atal Pension Yojana, while ensuring quick settlement of claims under these programmes.