JAMMU: The Department of Cooperatives, J&K, in collaboration with JCC Bank today celebrated International Day of Cooperatives at JCC Bank Headquarters, Bahu Plaza Jammu.

The event was held under the theme "M-PACS - Focusing on Women Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihood", highlighting the vital role of cooperatives in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The programme witnessed the participation of senior officials including the Additional Registrar, Cooperative Societies Jammu; Joint Registrar (Audit); Joint Registrar (Banking); Joint Registrar (Special); Deputy Registrars and Assistant Registrars from across the Jammu Division. A significant number of women members from cooperative societies also attended reflecting the growing involvement of women in cooperative governance and enterprise.

Notably, participants came from both urban and remote areas such as Samba, Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri and Billawar. Many of them shared their inspiring journeys and experiences with the cooperative department, offering testimonials on how the cooperative movement has empowered them socially and economically.

A major highlight of the event was the distribution of registration certificates to newly registered Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy and fisheries cooperatives across Jammu Division. Successful societies were felicitated with mementos in recognition of their outstanding contributions to innovation, livelihood generation, and women-led development.

The event also featured stalls set up by various cooperatives showcasing their products-ranging from honey, pickles and spices to bakery items, milk products and handicrafts-demonstrating the vibrancy and diversity of cooperative entrepreneurship.

Addressing the gathering, dignitaries emphasized the crucial role cooperatives play in empowering communities, especially women and supporting rural economies. The celebration concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the cooperative ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, in line with the global theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World."