Srinagar, June 23 (KNS): A step towards improving access to higher education in rural Kashmir, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo today flagged off five buses donated by J&K Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The ceremony was held at Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial (AAAM) Degree College, Srinagar.

The buses have been provided to Government Degree Colleges in Tulail, Damhal Hanjipora, Tangmarg, and Women’s Colleges in Sopore and Kupwara. These colleges are located in remote parts of the Kashmir Valley where transportation remains a major challenge for students.

Present at the occasion were Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah and Irshad Ahmad Kar, senior officials from the Higher Education Department, and J&K Bank leadership including GM & Divisional Head (Kashmir) Shabir Ahmad and DGM (CSR) Anup Bhat.

Handing over the symbolic keys to the college principals, Minister Sakeena Itoo praised J&K Bank’s commitment to the education sector.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“These buses will make a big difference for students in far-off areas and help implement the National Education Policy effectively,” she said. “We hope the Bank continues its support in health and education through its CSR efforts.”

GM Shabir Ahmad said the buses are “vehicles of opportunity” that connect students with learning. DGM Anup Bhat added that the Bank plans to increase its CSR outreach in the coming years.

With five buses already sent to Jammu-based colleges last week, J&K Bank has now provided ten buses to ten colleges across the Union Territory. These vehicles will also help in organizing student field visits, internships, and educational tours, supporting the goals of NEP 2020.

This CSR effort reflects J&K Bank’s ongoing dedication to inclusive development and empowering youth through access to quality education.(KNS)