Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 24: In an initiative aimed at empowering rural women and revitalizing grassroots cooperative institutions, the Department of Cooperatives in collaboration with the Indian Army today launched 12 Cutting and Tailoring Centers branded as “Silai Ghar” under the “Sahkar Saheli” initiative in the cooperative blocks of Akhnoor and Khour.
The formal sewing machine distribution ceremony was held at Shradha Palace, Akhnoor, and marked the beginning of this first-of-its-kind convergence model between the Cooperative Department and the Indian Army.
The event was graced by Babila Rakwal, Commissioner/ Secretary to the Government, Cooperative Department, as the chief guest and Mohammad Shafiq Chak, Registrar Cooperative Societies, J&K, as the guest of honor.
Also present on the occasion were Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies, Jammu and Samba, along with Assistant Registrars and staff from both districts.
Speaking on the occasion, Babila Rakwal lauded the initiative as a significant step toward women-led cooperative entrepreneurship, stating that the convergence with the Indian Army adds strength and sustainability to the model. She emphasized the transformative role of cooperatives in building self-reliant rural communities.
Registrar Mohammad Shafiq Chak noted that these centers not only empower women through skill development but also offer a new business vertical for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). He highlighted that the initiative holds the potential to revive non-functional PACS and integrate them into the economic mainstream.
The 12 “Silai Ghar” centers have already identified operational spaces and will provide tailoring and stitching services while generating employment and income for rural women. This will be an additional revenue stream for PACS, helping them diversify their activities and remain financially viable.
The program was launched as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, under the global theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, and exemplifies the spirit of collaborative governance for social impact.
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