Tripura 4 Feb, 2025: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha emphasized the crucial role of cooperatives in rural economic development while inaugurating the state-level conference on ‘Promotion & Development of Cooperatives’ at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala today. The conference has been jointly organized by the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), the Tripura Cooperative Department, and the Cooperative Union as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 celebrations.
In his address, the Chief Minister stated that strengthening rural areas leads to overall national and state development. He highlighted the importance of Cooperative Week, which is observed every year to raise awareness about cooperatives and encourage more people to participate in the movement. He expressed hope that this conference would not only discuss the achievements of the cooperative sector but also identify areas for improvement. He also noted that the creation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation in 2021, under Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has revitalized the cooperative movement in India.
Key Government Initiatives for Cooperative Development
CM Manik Saha outlined various initiatives undertaken in Tripura to strengthen cooperative societies and enhance the socio-economic conditions of those involved. These include:
• Computerisation of PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) for improved efficiency.
• Framing model regulations for the diversification of PACS.
• Introduction of CSC (Common Service Centres) for better e-services.
• Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to boost agricultural output.
• Granting PACS/LAMPS permission to operate LPG distributorships and fuel stations.
• Upgrading PACS into PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras for better agricultural support.
He emphasized that cooperatives not only create employment but also strengthen social and emotional bonds. Currently, Tripura has approximately 4,305 professional cooperative societies, with over 900,000 people directly or indirectly engaged in cooperative activities.
Ministerial Addresses & Future Plans
Cooperation Minister Shuklacharan Noatia noted that the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, and this conference is part of the celebration. He stressed the need to expand cooperative benefits at all levels to strengthen India’s cooperative movement.
NCUI President Dilip Sanghani stated that various initiatives are being undertaken nationwide to boost cooperatives as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. He expressed confidence that cooperatives will play a significant role in India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
NCUI Chief Executive Dr. Sudhir Mahajan delivered the welcome address, while Tripura Cooperative Department Secretary Tapas Roy delivered the vote of thanks.
Cooperative Olympiad Awards Distributed
As part of the International Year of Cooperatives celebrations, winners of the Cooperative Olympiad were honored at the event. CM Manik Saha presented certificates and mementos to the first, second, and third-place winners, along with consolation prizes for two participants.
