Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 30: Welcoming private sector investment in the State to give fillip to the development process and open opportunities of employment to the youth, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah highlighted the role of HDFC in the Valley in this regard and wished the bank further growth.
Inaugurating Corporate Office of HDFC here this evening, the Chief Minister said that the 25 years law and order situation made private sector investment hostage to move forward towards the Valley. He said un-palatable peace conditions made various private companies to migrate outside the Valley marring the development and employment prospects of youth. He referred to the initiatives taken by the HDFC to open its branches in the State and acclimatize with local conditions and needs of the people.
Omar referred to the use of both English and Urdu languages by the HDFC in banking operations providing additional facilities to those locals who are only well versed in Urdu language. He also mentioned the opening of branches by HDFC in rural areas and hoped that the Bank will reach out to the people in the remote areas like Gurez, Tangdar etc. and extend banking facilities to the people in these areas.
Omar Abdullah underlined the need for focusing of Bank on the Agriculture and allied sectors and provide easy advances to the farmers, artisans, budding entrepreneurs and general youth interested in launching their independent livelihood earning units.
The Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi was also present on the occasion.
The HDFC Bank Officers and staff, besides large number of Bank Clients were also present.