Early Times Report RAMBAN, July 6: Member of Legislative Assembly Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, today appreciated the remarkable progress and achievements of the Cooperative Department in the district while presiding over the valedictory function of the week-long Cooperative Week (Sahkarita Saptah) 2026 held at Maitra. The celebrations coincided with the fifth glorious year and Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation (GOI). Deputy Registrar Cooperatives, Ramban, Priyanka Sharma, Assistant Registrars, prominent citizens, members of various cooperative societies, officers and officials were present on the occasion. The Cooperative Week was celebrated from June 29 to July 6, 2026 under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan as part of the nationwide celebrations promoting cooperative-led inclusive growth and rural prosperity. On the occasion, the MLA inaugurated a food packaging unit which will help in labelling, branding and packaging of local organic products like Rajmah, Anardana, Amlook, Walnut Kernels etc at Cooperative Mini Super Bazaar, Maitra. The MLA highlighted the major infrastructure achievements of the Cooperative Department in the district, including the establishment of the Cooperative Mini Super Bazaar at Maitra, Trout, Curd & Walnut Processing Units under FPU scheme and Cooperative Super Bazaar at Ramban. He appreciated the growing participation of women in strengthening the cooperative movement and acknowledged their significant contribution towards the success of cooperative societies in the district. He also welcomed the sanctioning of several major developmental projects including Cooperative Canteen in DAC Ramban, Cooperative school building etc. The MLA urged members of cooperative societies to focus on value addition, branding, processing and marketing of locally produced agro-based products to improve farmers' income and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Earlier, Deputy Registrar Cooperatives informed that the week-long celebrations were organised around different themes focusing on self-reliance, cooperative empowerment and national development goals. Throughout the week various events were organised in the district at block levels such as promotion of local organic products, awareness camps, financial literacy camps, educational programs, plantation drives, AI Karmayogi demo courses for the PACS members, painting competition at Shah Asrar Cooperative Educational Institute Banihal etc. She presented a detailed account of the department's achievements over the past five years and informed that 107 new Cooperatives have been registered in the district. She further stated that four food processing units have been established, 13 Common Service Centres and 3 Jan Aushadi Kendras have resulted in creating employment opportunities for local youth while promoting entrepreneurship and value addition in the agriculture sector. The MLA also felicitated members of various cooperative societies for their outstanding contribution towards strengthening the cooperative movement and promoting socio-economic development in District Ramban. |