Gulmarg hosts 72nd Divisional-Level Cooperative Week celebrations

GULMARG: The Cooperative Department, J&K, today organised a Divisional-Level event in Gulmarg as part of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations. The programme was presided over by the Commissioner Secretary, Cooperative Department, Babila Rakwal, as the Chief Guest. The event witnessed the participation of cooperative representatives, officers, and stakeholders from across Jammu & Kashmir.

Celebrated under the theme “Cooperatives as Vehicles for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the event was attended by the Registrar, Cooperative Societies J&K, Mohammad Shafi Chak; Special Secretary, Cooperative Department; Joint Registrar Audit Kashmir; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority; Deputy Registrars from all districts of Kashmir Division; and other senior officers.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner Secretary reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening the cooperative sector through reforms, digital initiatives, and capacity-building efforts. She highlighted progress in areas such as Food Processing Units (FPUs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and the revival of Super Bazars. She also noted the expanding role of District Level Federations in improving institutional support and service delivery.

Emphasising the need for diversification, she encouraged Cooperative Societies to explore emerging sectors including food processing, agri-value chains, and rural enterprise development. She further stressed the importance of greater participation from youth and women to enhance the sector’s resilience and future growth.

The Joint Registrar Audit Kashmir underlined the role of cooperatives in strengthening livelihoods and supporting community-based development across the region. On the occasion, an exhibition of stalls by various Cooperative Societies highlighted the sector’s growing contribution.