Key Points

Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar declared Himachal Pradesh an ideal state for cooperatives during a sector review meeting. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri highlighted that cooperatives have become synonymous with trust in the state. The minister launched 121 e-PACS to digitize primary agricultural credit societies across Himachal. Both leaders discussed expanding cooperative policies with central support for continued growth.

Key Points: Union Minister Gurjar Calls Himachal Ideal State for Cooperatives

  • Union Minister launches 121 e-PACS for digital transformation of cooperative societies
  • About 20 lakh people in Himachal are associated with cooperative movement
  • State has 2,287 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies working on rural inclusion
  • 971 dairy societies engaged in milk production and distribution across state
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Himachal an ideal state for cooperatives, says Union Minister of State Gurjar

Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar praises Himachal Pradesh as a model cooperative state during review of 121 e-PACS launch and sector development initiatives with Deputy CM Agnihotri.

"Himachal is the birthplace of cooperatives and has shown the country a new path in this sector - Mukesh Agnihotri"

Shimla, Sep 14

Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar on Sunday described Himachal Pradesh as an ideal state for cooperatives while reviewing various centrally-sponsored initiatives aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector. He said in a diverse state like Himachal, there are immense possibilities in this field.

At the review meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Cooperative Department here, he launched 121 e-PACS.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the cooperative movement is being taken to every household. “Himachal is the birthplace of cooperatives and has shown the country a new path in this sector.

"The cooperative societies are doing excellent work. Cooperation has become another name for trust and on this basis, the cooperative societies of the state have established their identity on the global stage and reached new heights of success,” he said.

About 20 lakh people in Himachal are associated with cooperatives, and the state’s cooperative societies are setting an example in women empowerment.

Currently, 2,287 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies are working towards rural financial inclusion. In this direction, six new multi-purpose societies have been formed.

In the state, 76 societies are serving the fishing community, 971 dairy societies are engaged in milk production and distribution, 441 societies are providing savings and credit facilities and 386 primary marketing cooperative societies are helping farmers sell their produce.

Himachal is also progressing in the dairy sector, where 561 new societies have been established.

The Deputy Chief Minister said to expand cooperatives in the state, the draft of Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Policy of 2025 has been prepared in line with the central cooperative policies. He requested the Union Minister to extend generous support to the state in this field.

He also sought funds for the computerisation of societies and support for digitization of Himfed and Milkfed. He also requested early financial assistance for HIMCAPS College of Law in Una district.

He also urged reconsideration of the fee structure at the proposed Tribhuvan Cooperative University, being established for capacity building in the cooperative sector.

The Union Minister assured that Himachal Pradesh would be provided possible assistance by the Centre in the field of cooperatives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone from Himachal, I've seen how cooperatives have transformed our villages. The dairy societies especially have empowered women farmers. Hope the central support continues! 🙌
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Michael C
Impressive numbers - 20 lakh people associated with cooperatives! This shows how community-based economic models can drive sustainable development. Would love to study this case for my research.
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Sunil U
While the progress is commendable, I hope the digitization funds are properly utilized. Sometimes these initiatives look good on paper but implementation at ground level faces challenges.
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Ananya R
The focus on women empowerment through cooperatives is the best part! When women have financial independence, entire communities benefit. Himachal setting an example for gender-inclusive development 💪
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Vikram M
Cooperatives are the backbone of rural economy. Good to see both state and centre working together. Hope other hilly states like Uttarakhand and Northeast also get similar support!

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