JCCB suffers over Rs8-cr loss, courtesy 365 govt employees

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 22

Around 365 government employees from 36 departments have defaulted with Jammu Central Cooperative Bank (JCCB). As a result, the bank has suffered a loss of Rs 8,36,68,311 and declared the amount as non-performing assets (NPAs).

Almost every department in 10 districts of Jammu province has committed fraud with the bank in various capacities.

Ninety-nine employees of the Education Department have failed to repay Rs 2,55,63,925 followed by 39 defaulters from the Medical Department with Rs 1,19,91017.

Twenty-nine employees each from the Forest Department and Police Department have defaulted on a payment of Rs 1,31,30,707.The remaining loss amounting to Rs 3,29,82,662 has been contributed by employees belonging to Agriculture, Public Health Engineering State Road Transport Corporation, Municipality Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Electrical Department, Telecom and Revenue Department, among others.

Poonch district tops the list (Rs 2,33,71,109 ) in non-payment of dues followed by Jammu (Rs 1,74,67531). Doda district owes Rs 1,55,38,710 to the bank.

Though chairman of the bank has taken up the matter with the General Administration Department for recovery of loan as well as disciplinary proceedings against 365 government employees, but so far status quo has been maintained.

Despite repeated attempts bank manager at Head office at Rail Head Sehkari Bhavan could not be contacted.

An employee on condition of anonymity said the bank has been suffering loss and was on the verge of closure.

“Besides, the bank has not generated IFSC as well as MICR code, which is essential for online transaction. Every transaction is being done manually,” the employee said.