Separate Chairman, MD Posts at J&K Bank to Ensure Checks and Balances: Governor Administration
Financial institution could not function as an employment agency
Srinagar, June 12, KNT: The Governor’s administration on Wednesday announced the separation of the Chairman and Managing Director posts at Jammu and Kashmir Bank to introduce institutional checks and balances, asserting that recent actions concerning the bank were taken following concerns raised by the Reserve Bank of India.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said the administration did not act independently but responded to a communication from the RBI that flagged alleged mismanagement within the bank. “We did not act against J&K Bank on our own. RBI wrote to us expressing concern. We have zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
He was accompanied by the Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam, who questioned certain operational practices of the bank. Subrahmanyam stated that a financial institution could not function as an employment agency and must adhere strictly to its core banking responsibilities.
“It is not the job of the bank to provide jobs. Its primary responsibility is to safeguard public money,” he said, adding that the bank had deviated from its fundamental objectives.
The Chief Secretary also raised concerns over reported Corporate Social Responsibility spending, questioning the allocation of substantial funds towards a golf course project. He argued that such expenditures did not reflect broad public benefit and required scrutiny.
Responding to queries regarding the applicability of the Right to Information Act to the bank, Subrahmanyam said the matter would be decided by the bank’s Board, noting that certain financial matters require confidentiality.
Announcing structural reforms, he confirmed that the roles of Chairman and Managing Director would be separated to strengthen oversight mechanisms. “Every institution requires checks and balances. The same principle will apply to J&K Bank,” he said.
Despite the criticism, the administration described the bank as a vital financial asset of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed confidence that it would regain stability within three months. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
