In a significant step toward strengthening the cooperative movement in Ladakh, a meeting was held in Leh on November 20 to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives 2025.

The session was chaired by Huma Khan (JKAS), District Registrar of Cooperatives (DRC), Leh, and attended by Assistant Registrars of Cooperatives (ARCs) — Skarma Tashi, Nawang Tsering, and Tsering Morup — representing various blocks across the district. A representative from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)  also participated, underscoring national-level support for grassroots cooperative initiatives.

Representatives from several cooperative societies were present, including Looms of Ladakh Women Cooperative, TR Service Cooperative, Laga Multipurpose Cooperative, Handicraft Industrial Cooperative Society, Pomey Rangroks Yargyas Cooperative, Junuma Ama Handloom Cooperative, BDCS Leh, and Tar Thundel Tsogspa Cooperative.

The meeting centered on identifying the challenges faced by cooperative societies in the region and exploring avenues for institutional support, capacity building, and sustainable growth. Discussions focused on improving access to credit, strengthening market linkages, promoting skill development, and leveraging government schemes to empower cooperative members — particularly women and artisans.

The DRC emphasized the importance of collaborative governance, transparency, and innovation for effective cooperative functioning. The NCDC representative also highlighted upcoming initiatives and funding opportunities under the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 framework.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to revitalizing Ladakh’s cooperative ecosystem, ensuring that these community-driven institutions continue to play a vital role in local economic development and social empowerment.