Government is strengthening the cooperative sector: Dy CM

Himachal Pradesh: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today presided over the state level cooperative function organised by Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Development Federation at Tarot village in Mandi district. Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Chairman Devendra Shyam also attended the function. Agnihotri said Himachal Pradesh is the birthplace of cooperative movement, which later spread across the country. He highlighted the commitment of the state government to strengthen the cooperative sector and ensure greater participation of women in it. The government is considering providing reservation for women in cooperative bodies and the matter will be brought before the state Cabinet. He also informed that a proposal to provide 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 about Rs 80 crore, which will enhance transparency and efficiency. He said all primary cooperative societies in the state will be computerised, which will help speed up processes and promote transparency. He highlighted the people’s trust in cooperative banks with a capital infusion of about Rs 55,000 crore and stressed the importance of timely repayment of loans by members to further strengthen the sector. Agnihotri also lauded the role of cooperatives in the food supply chain, especially in the distribution of subsidized rations. He called for simplification of the food distribution system to avoid inconvenience caused due to minor technical problems. He also mentioned the global demand for Himachal-made products like woolen shawls and caps and successful cooperatives in various sectors including knitting, education, transport and dairy production. On political matters, Agnihotri criticised the opposition party for attempting to malign the state’s reputation and asserted that the present government was dedicated to protecting state assets like the Himachal Bhawan in Delhi. He also discussed the ongoing modernisation efforts of the State Transport Corporation and the timely provision of pension and salaries to employees. At the function, Agnihotri distributed collateral-free loans to 61 women under the Women Empowerment Scheme and felicitated six trainees for their outstanding performance in diploma courses. He also announced a reward of Rs 21,000 to schoolgirls who participated in the cultural programme. The function also included flag hoisting and exhibition of stalls of cooperative societies.