Gandhinagar, Feb 19 (IANS) A high-level meeting of the Gujarat State Cooperative Council was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Cooperation Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma.
Key agendas concerning cooperative societies were discussed, along with potential reforms aimed at benefiting cooperative organisations and their members.
The council members unanimously supported the formulation of recruitment rules for cooperative societies. Minister Vishwakarma assured that new regulations governing recruitment in cooperative bodies would be framed and implemented soon.
Additionally, discussions were held regarding increasing the financial limit for gifts given to members of cooperative societies and the purchase of vehicles for cooperative institutions. The meeting also emphasised the mandatory implementation of the e-tendering process for purchases exceeding Rs 5 lakh, as per government guidelines.
With 2025 being celebrated as the “International Year of Cooperatives,” the cooperative sector in Gujarat is set to launch various awareness initiatives. These activities include a postcard writing campaign to spread awareness about cooperative values, cleanliness drives at religious sites, a tree plantation drive under the theme “One Plant, One Name,” tiffin meetings to encourage cooperative discussions, community meals to strengthen social bonds, and the distribution of kits in schools and for pregnant women to support nutrition initiatives.
During the meeting, the Cooperation Minister proposed the development of model bylaws for various cooperative institutions such as dairy unions, credit societies, and housing societies to ensure uniformity and better governance.
He also stressed the need for continuous auditing of cooperative societies and encouraged the inclusion of women and youth in innovative cooperative initiatives.
Additionally, council members were invited to submit suggestions regarding necessary amendments to cooperative laws, ensuring that reforms align with the evolving needs of the sector.
The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin, MLA Arun Singh Rana, Gujarat State Cooperative Marketing Federation (GUJCOMASOL) Vice Chairman Bipinbhai Patel, State Cooperative Union Chairman Ghanshyambhai Amin, Cooperation Department Secretary Sandeep Kumar, Registrar of Cooperative Societies Narendra Meena, along with other prominent cooperative leaders and senior officials from the cooperation department.
The discussions and resolutions passed in the meeting are expected to have a lasting impact on the cooperative sector in Gujarat, fostering transparency, efficiency, and growth.
As of recent data, the state boasts approximately 82,143 registered cooperative societies, reflecting the extensive reach and influence of this sector. A pivotal component of this network is the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), which serve as grassroots-level cooperative credit institutions.
In 2022, Gujarat had 8,535 PACS, underscoring the state’s commitment to providing financial support and resources to the rural populace. The dairy industry in Gujarat exemplifies the success of cooperative movements, with Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited) standing out as a prime example. Established in 1946, Amul has grown into a cooperative jointly owned by around 2.6 million milk producers in the state.
This model has not only empowered local farmers but also positioned India as a leading milk producer globally. In a strategic move to enhance the efficiency and financial stability of cooperative societies, the Gujarat government launched the “Cooperation among Cooperatives” initiative.
After a successful pilot in two districts, this initiative is set to expand across all 33 districts.
–IANS
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