By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 30 Dec: Cooperative Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat stated that in the year 2023, the State Cooperative Department has made significant progress in improving the livelihood of villagers through various schemes. This progress is the result of several review meetings held for this purpose, he stated.
Rawat informed that one of the major initiatives was bringing positive change is Deendayal Upadhyaya Cooperative Farmers Welfare Scheme. In the financial year 2023-24, a total loan of Rs 620.45 crore was distributed to 87,835 beneficiaries and 306 self-help groups (SHGs). This aid has undoubtedly helped farmers improve their farming practices, thereby positively impacting their overall income and standard of living, he said.
The Minister pointed out to another notable initiative is Mukhyamantri Ghasiyari Kalyan Yojana under which 23,871 tonnes of silage/animal fodder was distributed to 10,000 beneficiaries in remote rural hill areas. This Yojana has been run to provide packed silage and complete mixed animal feed (TMR) at subsidised rates to the cattle herders and women of remote rural hill areas at their doorsteps to free them from the burden of fodder. At present, under the said scheme run by the Dairy Development Department, a total of 23,871 tonnes of silage/animal fodder has been distributed to about 10,000 beneficiaries at subsidised rate through 152 distribution centres in all the hill areas of the state. This support has been instrumental in addressing the challenge of animal feed shortage in these areas, thereby contributing to improved livestock productivity and economic well-being of villagers. Apart from these, the Co-operation Department has also facilitated the disbursement of short term loans worth Rs 914 crore and medium term loans worth Rs 158.57 crore. This financial support has provided the much-needed capital to individuals and groups, enabling them to invest in their business and agricultural activities, ultimately leading to a broader socio-economic development.
Dr Rawat stated that the Cooperative department has also taken steps to support alternative livelihood options. Under the E-Rickshaw Welfare Scheme, an amount of Rs 176.74 lakh was distributed to 94 beneficiaries, while an amount of Rs 20.87 lakh was disbursed to 22 beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Motorcycle Scheme. These initiatives have not only created employment opportunities but also increased transportation accessibility, especially in tourist areas.
The Cooperative Minister claimed that the efforts of the Cooperative Department of Uttarakhand in the year 2023 have been commendable. Various schemes and initiatives have had a positive and tangible impact on the lives of villagers, contributing to their economic empowerment and overall well-being. Under short term and medium term loans, an amount of Rs 914.76 crore under short term loan and an amount of Rs 158.97 crore under medium term loan have been disbursed to the farmers of rural and urban areas through the district cooperative banks and cooperative societies operating in the state. Under the Deendayal Upadhyay Cooperative Farmers Welfare Scheme, interest-free loans of up to Rs 1.00 lakh are being provided to farmer members for agricultural and agricultural allied works, up to Rs 3.00 lakh for non-agricultural works and up to Rs 5.00 lakh to SHGs.
In order to provide employment to the youth/girls of the State, under the ‘Mukhyamantri E-Rickshaw Kalyan Yojana’, cooperative banks are providing loans at 9 per cent annual interest rate to unemployed youth/girls to purchase e-rickshaws. Under the said scheme, in this financial year, a loan of Rs 176.74 lakh was given to 94 beneficiaries under the scheme.
Under Motor Cycle Taxi Scheme, interest free loans of Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh are being provided to the applicants for a period fo two years for purchasing vehicles through co-operative banks for providing transport services to tourists/passengers in major tourist places.
