Srinagar, Apr 7 : Over 1,000 educated professionals who established ‘Khidmat Centres’ across Jammu and Kashmir nearly 17 years ago on assurances from Jammu and Kashmir Bank have now sought regular employment in the Bank, alleging they were misled by promises that left them burdened with debt and uncertain careers.
In a detailed representation submitted to the Bank and the Union Territory administration, accessed by Kashmir News agency, the Jammu & Kashmir Khidmat Centres Association said the Bank, as the designated Service Centre Agency under the Centre’s National e-Governance Plan, had assured multiple government-to-citizen and business-to-citizen services through these centres after their launch in 2009.
“We were told we would become successful entrepreneurs backed by the Bank, with Khidmat Centres evolving into major business hubs,” the Association said, recalling assurances given to selected candidates, many of whom were MBA, M.Sc and BCA degree holders.
However, the Association alleged that key promised services — including land records, ration cards, electoral services, pension disbursement and electricity bill collection — were never implemented despite repeated follow-ups and official directives.
Citing past meetings and official communications, the Association said proposals to route pension payments and other services through these centres were approved but never executed on the ground.
They also referred to a 2017 letter by the then Bank Chairman acknowledging that earnings of Khidmat Centre operators were barely sufficient to service loan repayments.
The Association further said that during a 2019 meeting with then Chairman Parvez Ahmad, assurances were given about exploring a permanent solution, including the possibility of absorbing them as regular employees, subject to government approval. However, no progress followed subsequent administrative changes and the developments after the abrogation of Article 370.
Rejecting temporary measures like loan documentation work and revised commission structures, the Association termed them short-term solutions without future security.
“We need permanent employment. We have spent the prime years of our lives waiting for these promises to be fulfilled,” the Association said.
They also alleged that the Bank failed to convert Business Correspondent locations into Ultra Small Branches as promised and instead initiated fresh recruitments under different designations.
Calling for rehabilitation, the Association urged the authorities to address their long-pending demands, stating that they deserve fair treatment and job security. (Agency)
