Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla, April 20, 2025: In a significant push to tackle unemployment and skill development in Jammu and Kashmir, the State Bank of India (SBI) Lift Insurance today launched an ambitious outreach program under its ‘Utkarish Rozgar Yojana’ at a well-attended awareness camp in Baramulla. The initiative, which saw participation from local Lumberdars (village heads) and representatives of the Lamberdar Association, aims to provide employment opportunities to educated youth in the bank’s insurance division after comprehensive training. Under the program, fresh graduates and postgraduates will undergo 3-month specialized training besides top performers will be absorbed in SBI’s insurance department .The selected candidates to receive ₹2,5000 monthly stipend plus phone and travel allowances Mohammad Ashraf Lone, Chief Manager of SBI’s Divisional Office in Srinagar, revealed the unique implementation strategy: “We’re engaging Lumberdars to identify 10-15 eligible candidates from each village to ensure last-mile connectivity of this scheme.” The Lamberdar Association leadership, including President Musadiq Hassan, General Secretary Sajad Thokar Law Adviser Mohmmad Yaseen Malik, and Block Boniyar President Khursheed Ahmad Mughal, pledged full support to make the initiative successful across rural areas. “This partnership with SBI will create meaningful employment while addressing the skill gap in our youth,” said Musadiq Hassan. Law Advisor Malik Yaseen added: “Such corporate-social initiatives are crucial for J&K’s economic revival.” The ‘Utkarish Rozgar Yojana’ appears to be part of SBI’s broader commitment under the National Skill Development Mission, specially tailored for J&K’s employment needs. SBI has created over 10,000 rural jobs in the last 5 years through various skill initiatives across India.*Musadiq Hassan, President, Lamberdar Association said,”This SBI initiative is a game-changer for our rural youth. By involving village heads in the selection process, the bank has ensured transparency and grassroots reach. We will personally monitor the implementation to guarantee deserving candidates benefit.”* Addressing the gatheringMalik Yaseen, Law Advisor, Lamberdar Association said,” Financial inclusion begins with employment generation. The Utkarish Rozgar Yojana not only provides jobs but also equips our youth with banking skills that will serve them for life. This is exactly the kind of public-private partnership Jammu & Kashmir needs.”* Sajad Thokar, General Secretary,”For the first time, we have a major bank coming directly to villages with job opportunities. The ₹2,5000 stipend during training makes it feasible for poor families to participate. We’ve already started identifying potential candidates.”