my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Dec: Cooperative societies will be established in every gram sabha across the state. Through these societies, the rural economy will be strengthened and cooperatives will be developed as the backbone of rural prosperity. So far, more than 11.50 lakh farmers and self-help groups across the state have been provided over Rs 7,000 crore in interest-free loans through the cooperative sector, significantly strengthening their economic condition. In addition, major reforms have been implemented in the functioning of state and district cooperative banks, resulting in a reduction in NPAs and a substantial increase in bank deposits.
These remarks were made by the State’s Minister for Cooperation, Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, while addressing the Cooperative Fair organised by the Department of Cooperation at the Rangers’ Ground, Dehradun, as the Chief Guest.
Dr Rawat said that the state government has resolved to build a “Strong Uttarakhand”. Under the vision of a leading Uttarakhand, multi-dimensional action plans are being implemented in the cooperative sector to achieve goals with determination, and positive results are now visible.
He stated that the state government is establishing cooperative societies at the gram sabha level so that every citizen can benefit from the cooperative movement. Under this initiative, more than 602 new MPACS, 258 dairy cooperatives, and 119 fisheries cooperatives have already been formed. Through cooperatives, youth are being connected with modern businesses such as startups, marketing and processing of organic products. This expansion of cooperatives will not only strengthen the rural economy but will also become the central pillar of rural prosperity.
Dr Rawat further stated that, across the state, 670 MPACS are functioning as public service centres and 23 MPACS are operating as Jan Aushadhi Kendras, benefiting the general public. These MPACS are being converted into e-PACS so that people can avail various e-services. In his address, he said that farmers, cultivators, artisans, and self-help groups are significantly benefiting from the Deendayal Upadhyay Cooperative Farmer Welfare Scheme being run by the Department of Cooperation. To date, the government has distributed more than ₹7,000 crore in interest-free loans to over 11.50 lakh beneficiaries, which is a major achievement in itself.
He also stated that state and district cooperative banks are being revitalised. At present, cooperative banks are providing modern and digital facilities to their account holders, similar to nationalised banks, which has increased public trust in these institutions. As a result, during the financial year 2024–25, deposits of over Rs 15,651 crore were mobilised in cooperative banks, along with a reduction in NPAs. Currently, all 10 district cooperative banks and one state cooperative bank are operating in profit.
Dr Rawat said that the historic decision taken by the state government to increase women’s participation in cooperatives has proved effective. He informed that in the recent cooperative society elections, women were elected as chairpersons in more than 280 out of 668 societies, which is a remarkable example of women empowerment. He added that the government is working to take the cooperative movement to every household. On this occasion, the Cooperation Minister also distributed cheques to beneficiaries of various schemes.
On the occasion, State Minister (Rank) Geetaram Gaud, former Chairman of Tehri District Cooperative Bank Subhash Ramola, Additional Registrar Ira Upreti, Anand Shukla, and other departmental officers were also present.
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