By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 4 Feb: In celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives, various programmes will be held throughout the year, announced State Cooperation Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat today. A workshop, titled Cooperatives Build a Better World, was inaugurated today by Dr Rawat along with Sonika, Additional Secretary/Registrar of Cooperatives, Suman Kumar, GM of NABARD, and Anil Tiwari, Director of ICM, who lit the ceremonial lamp at the Uttarakhand State Cooperative Union Hall. The event also marked the launch of the annual work plan and activities calendar.
In his address, Cooperation Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat stated that the entire country is celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives this year, and in Uttarakhand, workshops and programmes will be organised throughout the year. Dr Rawat also mentioned that he will complete eight years as the Minister of this department in March.
Dr Rawat highlighted the success of the Kisan Kalyan Dindayal Loan Scheme. Additionally, the state government has made 100,000 women Lakhpati Didis by providing loans of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.
He proudly stated that Uttarakhand has been a pioneer in computerising cooperative societies, and this model has now been adopted across the country for the digitisation of societies.
Speaking about the Millet Mission Scheme, Dr Rawat shared that, initially, Mandua and Jhangora were purchased at Rs 18 per kg, but now they are being bought at Rs 42 per kg, significantly increasing farmers’ income in the state.
Dr Rawat emphasised that cooperation has provided a new direction to farmers in Uttarakhand. He mentioned that no farmer’s movements have occurred in the state, thanks to the government’s development work.
The Minister issued instructions to establish 400 multi-purpose committees at the village-level by 30 March 2025. Any district showing negligence in the formation of these committees would face action. Presently, there are 670 committees in the state. These committees will organise workshops, beneficiary programmes, and public awareness campaigns, directly reaching out to 10.5 million farmers. Additionally, four cooperative fairs will be organised during the year. At the end of the year, a review of the year’s programmes will be held, and the work plan for 2026 will be prepared.
Dr Rawat also mentioned the goal of 100% organic farming in the 42 hilly blocks of the state, aiming for Uttarakhand to move completely towards organic farming.
Sonika, Additional Secretary and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, said that the programmes organised during the International Year of Cooperatives should help build a positive image of the cooperative sector. She stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of these efforts reach farmers, cooperative members, and societies in the best possible way.
Sonika emphasized that all PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies) must be functional, operate smoothly, and have strong financial health. She also highlighted the need to increase business activities through cooperatives, citing Amul as a successful example.
Sonika explained the concept of vertical and horizontal expansion for multi-purpose committees, urging that they be operated with a sense of ownership and responsibility.
NABARD GM Suman Kumar, spoke about the role of cooperatives in promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, praising the progress of cooperatives in Uttarakhand.
The event also saw the launch of the Uttarakhand State Cooperative Bank’s magazine, unveiled by the Cooperation Minister, the Registrar, and other dignitaries.
The programme was conducted by Joint Registrar Mangla Tripathi, who presented a detailed presentation on 54 key aspects of the cooperative sector. At the end of the event, Additional Registrar Anand Shukla proposed the vote of thanks.
The workshop was attended by Additional Registrar Ira Upreti, Anand Shukla, Joint Registrar Neeraj Belwal, Mangla Tripathi, Managing Director of Uttarakhand State Cooperative Union Rimindri Mandrawal, Assistant Registrars from all districts, Branch Managers from Cooperative Banks, and other cooperative sector officials and employees.
