Manthan on innovation and research in Uttarakhand cooperatives Sahakar Manthan-2025: New initiative of rural empowerment through cooperatives in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand brainstorming on innovation research in cooperatives
Cooperative Manthan-2025: New initiative of rural empowerment through cooperatives in Uttarakhand
To commemorate the International Cooperative Year-2025, the two-day workshop “Saharan Manthan-2025” was inaugurated by Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Minister of Cooperatives, Higher Education and Health, Government of Uttarakhand, at the Indian Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. The objective of the program is to promote innovation in the cooperative sector, strengthen the rural economy and create new opportunities for self-employment for the youth.
Reiterating the resolve to make Uttarakhand self-reliant through cooperatives, Dr. Rawat said that after the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperatives by the Central Government (year 2021), the states have got new energy and direction in this field.
Plan to establish multipurpose cooperative societies in every village
Dr. Rawat informed that in the recent central meeting, it has been decided that a multipurpose cooperative society can be formed for every 300-400 rural population or a group of two-three villages, which will further strengthen the 670 M-PACs.
He said, “Sahar Manthan should not be limited to speeches only. Our aim is to benefit the last person in the line by making cooperative societies the backbone of the rural economy.”
Achievements of Uttarakhand cooperative sector
Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to start transparent and merit-based recruitment in cooperative banks through the IBPS system from 2017. Its example is now being followed by six other states. He directed that district level review meetings should be held every 15 days so that the progress of cooperative societies in rural areas can be evaluated.
National appreciation of Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana
During the program, it was also informed that Uttarakhand’s Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana is being appreciated across the country and many states are in the process of adopting it.
Organizing the ‘Sahakar Manthan-2025’ workshop is an important step towards giving a new direction to the cooperative sector in Uttarakhand and empowering the rural economy. This platform will provide an opportunity to brainstorm on the challenges faced by cooperatives and implement innovative solutions. Topics such as digitalization of cooperatives, improvement in the credit delivery system, and marketing of rural products were also discussed during the workshop.
Dr. Rawat said in the workshop that the aim of the Ministry of Cooperation is to make Uttarakhand a leading state in the cooperative sector. He called upon all stakeholders to work together and realize the dreams of rural India. This workshop not only underlines the importance of cooperation but also expresses the resolve to write a new story of prosperity and self-reliance in the rural areas of Uttarakhand.