Kathmandu: International Cooperatives Day is being celebrated with various programs on July 7, Saturday in keeping with the tradition of observing the day on the first Saturday of every July at the call of the International Cooperatives Federation.

The slogan of cooperatives day this time is “benefits of cooperatives in the third millennium”.

This slogan has been chosen in view of the fact that cooperatives would contribute to the development of individuals, society and the country at large and an appeal has been made to all citizens to engage in cooperatives campaign in the third millennium.

This year, the national cooperatives award is to be given to two persons for their contribution to cooperatives, best cooperatives award to the three district cooperatives associations and the best cooperatives enterpreneurship award to five cooperatives institutions.

Those receiving the National Cooperatives award are Purushottam Kafle and Surya Ratna Shakya.

Those receiving the best cooperatives award are the district cooperatives associations of Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Chitwan.