Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Apr, 12
Punjab National Bank celebrated its 125th foundation day with great enthusiasm and fervor. The main function was held at Jammu Club Auditorium in which Mr Thomas Mathew, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India was Chief Guest who was accompanied by Mr. Suresh Kumar Rana, Circle Head PNB & Mr Vinay Bhandari Deputy Circle Head PNB J&K Circle. Among other dignitaries Mayor, JMC, Mr Chander Mohan Gupta was also present on the occasion. A large number of customers, retired employees and staff members of the Bank were present at the function. The function was also marked by the felicitation of meritorious students and esteemed customers of the Bank by chief guest. Speaking at the occasion, Mr Suresh Kumar Rana highlighted the history and achievements of the Bank. He said that Inspired by the spirit of nationalism and the idea that Indians should have a national Bank of their own, PNB was founded as first Swadeshi Bank by far-sighted visionaries and patriots, who included Lala Lajpat Rai, E C Jessawala, Babu Kali Prasono Roy, Lala Harkishan Lal and S. Dayal Singh Majithia. PNB had commenced its business operations on April, 12, 1895 and had opened its first branch at Anarkali Bazar, Lahore (now in Pakistan) Mr Rana added.
Starting with a meager authorized Capital of Rs 2.00 lakh and working capital of Rs 20,000, the Bank has crossed the total global business of Rs 11,16,743 crores as on 31-03-2019 and it reflects the confidence and trust level of our esteemed customers.
The Bank has a pan India network of more 7000 & 9300 ATMs. Seven Banks have been merged with PNB before & after nationalization giving further strength to the Bank.
In J&K, Bank has 106 branches working on CBS platform complimented with 137 ATMs giving PNB a Digital edge over other Banks. Chief Guest Mr. Thomas Mathew in his address appreciated the services of the Bank being rendered to the common men.
He added that apart from providing seamless service, Bank is also on the fore front with its Corporate Social Responsibility programs designed to uplift & support various sections of the society like NGOs, Charitable institutes, Old Age Homes, Orphanages etc.
He said that Bank has opened 12 Farmers Training centers across the country where farmers are being given free of cost training. Bank has proposed to open such center in Kathua of j&k very soon, which will benefit the farmer community, he added.
