Govt strengthening cooperative sector: Dy CM
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today chaired a state-level cooperative ceremony organised by the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Development Union at Tarot village in Mandi district. Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Chairman Devender Shyam also attended the event.
Agnihotri said that Himachal Pradesh was the birthplace of the cooperative movement, which later spread across the country. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector and ensuring greater participation of women in it. The government is considering providing reservation for women in cooperative bodies and this matter will be brought before the state Cabinet. He also mentioned that proposal for providing land to cooperative societies with all-Himachali board members will be discussed in the Cabinet.
Agnihotri also focused on the ongoing computerisation of the cooperative sector with an investment of approximately Rs 80 crore which will ensure increased transparency and efficiency. He noted that all primary cooperative societies in the state will be computerised which will help in speeding up processes and fostering transparency.
He highlighted the trust people have in cooperative banks with a capital investment of around Rs 55,000 crore and emphasised the importance of timely repayment of loans by members to strengthen the sector further.
Agnihotri also praised the role of cooperatives in the food supply chain, particularly in distributing subsidised ration. He called for the simplification of the food distribution system to avoid inconvenience caused by minor technical issues. He also mentioned the global demand for products made in Himachal, such as woollen shawls and caps, and the successful cooperatives in various sectors, including weaving, education, transport and dairy production.
On political matters, Agnihotri criticised Opposition party for attempting to malign the state’s reputation and stressed that the current government is dedicated to protecting state assets like the Himachal Bhawan in Delhi. He also discussed the state transport corporation’s ongoing modernisation efforts and the timely provision of pensions and salaries to employees.
At the ceremony, Agnihotri distributed collateral-free loans to 61 women under the Women Empowerment Scheme and honoured six trainees for their top performances in diploma courses. He also announced a financial reward of Rs 21,000 for schoolgirls performing in a cultural programme. The ceremony included flag hoisting and an exhibition of cooperative societies’ stalls.
