Define the term "co-operative societies" as per PART IXB.
Co-operative societies are defined in PART IXB as associations of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. These societies aim to promote the economic and social interests of their members and operate based on principles such as voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, cooperation among co-operatives, and concern for community.