Jammu, Mar 20: With the onset of Navratra, Jammu and Kashmir Bank has set up a dedicated fresh cash and note exchange counter at its Business Unit located at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, aiming to ease transactions for the large number of pilgrims visiting the shrine during the festival.
The facility was inaugurated by Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, along with the Bank’s General Manager and Divisional Head (Jammu), Ashok Gupta. The event witnessed the presence of senior civil and shrine board officials, including SDM Bhawan Anshumali Sharma, ADC Sher Singh, Tehsildar Mukesh Thappa, and Head Pandit Gopal Sharma, among others. A large gathering of devotees from across the country also attended the inauguration.
The newly established counter will provide fresh currency notes and facilitate exchange services, addressing a common requirement among pilgrims making offerings at the shrine. Officials said the move is part of a broader effort to ensure smooth financial transactions during peak pilgrimage days.
Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Kumar Vaishya appreciated the Bank’s continued support in strengthening pilgrim services. He noted that the institution has consistently extended banking infrastructure along the entire pilgrimage route, improving accessibility for visitors and supporting the operational needs of the Shrine Board.
Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Ashok Gupta expressed gratitude for the Shrine Board’s continued association with the Bank. He reiterated that the branch at Bhawan, operational since the formation of the Shrine Board, remains committed to serving the administration, associated establishments, and the steady influx of pilgrims.
Gupta informed that the Bank has deployed a dedicated team to assist in managing the cash offerings received at the shrine. He further highlighted that three branches and nine automated teller machines have been installed between Katra and Bhawan to maintain uninterrupted banking access.
“In view of increased footfall during occasions like Navratra, additional arrangements including fresh currency supply and exchange facilities are introduced to improve convenience for devotees,” he said.
Prior to the inauguration, Ashok Gupta, along with Bank staff, performed ceremonial prayers at the branch premises marking the beginning of the Navratra arrangements.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Branch Head Bhawan, Gourav Modi, who acknowledged the participation of officials and devotees in the event.
