KISHTWAR: As part of the celebrations for the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the Department of Cooperatives successfully hosted a Mega Awareness Camp here at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI). The initiative aimed to educate ITI faculty and students on the formation, registration, and operational mechanism of Service Societies/Cooperatives, fostering self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and cooperative development among the youth.
The camp was inaugurated with a keynote address by Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies (ARCS), Amit Sharma. He provided an in-depth overview of the Cooperative Department, detailing the importance of cooperatives in economic empowerment, the procedural steps for registration, and the pivotal roles of cooperative societies across various sectors. His engaging presentation demystified cooperative operations, making the concept accessible to young aspirants.
Highlighting the scope of cooperatives in skill-based trades, he emphasized the potential in fields such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, welding, cutting, and tailoring—areas directly relevant to ITI students. He elaborated on how forming service-based cooperative societies can generate employment, enhance skill application, and promote financial independence. Additionally, students were provided with comprehensive insights into various government schemes and initiatives that support entrepreneurial endeavors in these trades.
The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who actively engaged in discussions and displayed a keen interest in exploring cooperative-based career paths. Faculty members played a crucial role in facilitating the event, ensuring its objectives were effectively conveyed and achieved. The Camp was organized under the able guidance of Deputy Registrar Cooperative Kishtwar Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal.
The camp was graced by the presence of key officials, including Sanjay Singh (Assistant Registrar) and other concerned staff. Their insights and expertise further enriched the discussions, offering valuable guidance on the operational and financial support available within the cooperative framework. The event concluded on an encouraging note, with many students expressing a strong interest in establishing their own cooperative societies. A vote of thanks was extended to the faculty, students, and esteemed guests for their contributions in making the camp a resounding success.
