Cooperative societies have provided new livelihood opportunities: Dharmani

Cooperative societies of the state would be equipped with modern technology and integrated for mutual growth. This was stated by Rajesh Dharmani, Technical Education Minister at Bhera Ghat village in Chat Gram Panchaya in Bilaspur district at a district-level function commemorating the 72nd All India Cooperative Week 2025 yesterday.

Dharmani said that the year 2025 was being celebrated as the International Year of Cooperatives, which is an important opportunity to further strengthen the principles and spirit of cooperation globally. He said that the state government, considering cooperative movement as the backbone of rural development, is continuously striving to reach every village and integrate it with modern technology. He said that cooperative societies in the state are working strongly in many sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, dairy production, consumer services, marketing, and financial support. This has not only improved the local economy but also provided new livelihood and employment opportunities to thousands of farmers, women and youth.

The minister said this year's theme for Cooperative Day is "The Role of Cooperative Societies in Rural Development." He added that the cooperative movement began with special programmes on the birthday of India''s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who considered cooperation the foundation of rural prosperity and collective participation.

He said that cooperatives provide economic strength by organising farmers, workers and small entrepreneurs in rural areas. Through these meetings, significant contribution is made towards rural development, employment generation, agricultural reforms and social upliftment.

Chairman HB Kaushal, chairman of District Development Cooperative Association, Satpal Vardhan, APMC chairman, Himuda Director Jitendra Chandel, Co-operative Bank director Jagdish Sharma, District Federation chairman Ranjeet Kashyap and officials of various cooperative institutions, managers and a large number of farmers were present on the occasion.