AJAY KUMAR UPADHYAY
BILASPUR; The district-level celebration of the 72nd was held with great enthusiasm at the 'The Chhat Gram Seva Sahakari Sabha Samiti, Bhedaghat'. The event, organized jointly by the Himachal Pradesh Cooperative Development Union and the District Cooperative Union, highlighted the growing strength and expanding role of cooperative institutions in rural development.
Minister of Town and Country Planning, Housing, Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training Rajesh Dharmani graced the function as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he said that 2025 being observed as the International Year of Cooperatives presents a valuable opportunity to further strengthen cooperative principles at both national and global levels.
Dharmani stated that the Himachal Pradesh government views cooperatives as the backbone of rural progress, and is committed to extending their reach to every village while integrating them with modern digital technologies. He said cooperative societies in the state are significantly contributing to sectors including agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, dairy, marketing, and financial services—creating new livelihood opportunities for farmers, women, and youth.
The theme of this year’s celebration, “The Role of Cooperative Societies in Rural Development,” underscores the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who considered cooperation vital for rural prosperity. Dharmani said cooperative societies empower rural communities by mobilizing farmers, workers, and small entrepreneurs, thereby driving agricultural reforms, employment generation, and social upliftment.
He highlighted that cattle farmers are receiving direct benefits from the government’s enhanced milk support price. He also noted the cabinet’s decision allowing cooperative societies to purchase land by amending Section 118—opening new avenues for expansion and efficiency in the cooperative sector.
Dharmani praised the district’s cooperative institutions for their transparency and strong performance, adding that the government is taking steps to make the cooperative movement more digital, transparent, and technologically robust.
Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies Bhaskar Kalia presented an annual report, informing that the district has 225 registered cooperative societies and four unions. The event also featured attractive exhibitions and felicitations for high-performing societies.
APMC President Satpal Vardhan, Himuda Director Jitendra Chandel, Cooperative Bank Director Jagdish Sharma, district officials, Panchayat representatives, and a large number of farmers and horticulturists attended the program.