J&K Bank Strengthens CSR Outreach with Project SAMARTH, Expands Support for Persons with Disabilities
Srinagar, July 23: Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and social responsibility, J&K Bank on Wednesday achieved two major milestones under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme by organising a mega distribution camp under Project SAMARTH and handing over a dedicated transport vehicle to the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Srinagar.
The initiatives were led by the Bank’s Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, who presided over the mega camp organised in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). Deputy General Manager Syed Adil Bashir, ALIMCO (North Zone) Head S.K. Tripathi, CRC Srinagar Director Dr. Behzad Maqbool, Rehabilitation Officer Shameem Ahmad, senior officials of the Bank, ALIMCO and CRC were present on the occasion.
During the day-long camp, customised assistive aids and appliances worth ₹46 lakh were distributed among more than 400 beneficiaries, further strengthening the Bank’s flagship CSR initiative aimed at empowering persons with disabilities.
Under Project SAMARTH, J&K Bank has so far facilitated the distribution of customised assistive devices to over 4,700 persons with disabilities and senior citizens from economically weaker sections across Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country, with the majority of beneficiaries belonging to the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, Executive Director Sudhir Gupta said the Bank views Corporate Social Responsibility as an extension of its philosophy of socially empowering banking rather than a statutory obligation. He said the initiative seeks to enhance the independence, dignity and mobility of persons with disabilities by providing customised assistive devices that improve access to education, employment and community participation.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that create lasting social impact, strengthen community institutions and improve the quality of life of vulnerable sections through partnerships with credible organisations.
Implemented by ALIMCO under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Project SAMARTH is designed to benefit persons with disabilities across five districts of Jammu & Kashmir, besides Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, through the distribution of a wide range of customised assistive aids.
ALIMCO (North Zone) Head S.K. Tripathi said J&K Bank’s CSR support, with a financial outlay of ₹383.38 lakh, has significantly expanded access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities and strengthened efforts towards building a more inclusive society.
On the occasion, J&K Bank also handed over a dedicated transport vehicle to CRC Srinagar, extending similar support already provided to CRC Jammu.
Expressing gratitude, CRC Srinagar Director Dr. Behzad Maqbool said the vehicle would substantially enhance the Centre’s outreach and rehabilitation services, particularly for persons with disabilities living in remote areas of Kashmir, ensuring improved accessibility and continuity of care. ANB
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