Srinagar, Mar 10: The Shaher-e-Khaas Traders Alliance has urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the management of J&K Bank to ensure uninterrupted banking services ahead of Eid, citing concerns that multiple bank holidays next week could disrupt business during the crucial festive period.
In a statement, the Alliance appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Chairman of J&K Bank to review and cancel the upcoming bank holidays to facilitate smooth financial transactions for traders preparing for the Eid rush.
President of the Alliance, Nazir Ahmad Shah, said traders across markets in the old city of Srinagar and other districts depend heavily on banking services during the festive season.
“As Eid approaches, traders are preparing for increased business activity. However, multiple bank holidays next week could hamper smooth operations. We urge the authorities to ensure uninterrupted banking services during this vital period,” Shah said.
He said traders from several districts have raised concerns regarding banking facilities, particularly delays in digital transactions and limited access to cash during peak business days.
The Alliance called for round-the-clock reliability of digital banking platforms, including M-Pay, e-banking services and ATM networks, stressing that uninterrupted services are essential for the smooth functioning of markets during the festive period.
Shah also highlighted delays in RTGS and NEFT payments, saying pending transactions are affecting day-to-day business activities.
“RTGS and NEFT delays are crippling daily transactions for traders. Such payments should be cleared within 24 hours so that business activities are not disrupted,” he said.
The traders’ body further appealed for a reduction in high charges on merchant transactions, stating that excessive fees are placing additional pressure on traders already operating with thin margins.
In addition, the Alliance requested extended working hours at bank branches, particularly in busy market areas, so that traders can access banking services during evenings and weekends when commercial activity is at its peak.
Another major concern highlighted by the Alliance was the frequent downtime of ATMs in rural areas and district markets, which often disrupts the availability of cash for small traders and customers.
Shah urged the authorities to upgrade and maintain ATM infrastructure, especially in district areas, to ensure uninterrupted cash flow during the festive season.
The Alliance expressed hope that the government and banking authorities would take immediate steps to address these concerns to facilitate smooth trade and business operations during the upcoming Eid celebrations.
