A review meeting on the preparedness of banks to make various benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Gharib Kalyan Package available was convened by Umang Narula, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor on April 1. 

Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner Secretary, Finance; Tsewang Dorjay, Zonal Head, J&K Bank; Dorjay Motup, Convenor, UT Level Bankers Committee also joined the meeting.
 
Rigzin Samphel informed that the Government of India has announced Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to mitigate the sufferings of the poorest of the poor. Under this scheme cash will be transferred to the beneficiaries of PM KISAN Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana women account holders. Besides this, Direct Benefit Transfers will also be made available to support senior citizens, widows and specially-abled people.
 
Dorjay Motup informed that Ladakh has 19,891 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and 13,412 PM Kisan account holders. Also, the Zonal Head, J&K Bank stated that J&K Bank has 11,833 PM Kissan and 14,741 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana account holders, out of which 8,642 are women.
 
When enquired about the functionality of banks, ATMs and Ultra Small Banks, Umang Narula was informed that they are functioning with limited staff and social distancing norms are being followed.
 
Stressing on the importance of direct benefits at this critical juncture, Umang Narula instructed bank authorities to ensure easy access of bank accounts to all the beneficiaries. Also, they were advised to facilitate the activation of dormant accounts of the beneficiaries.