Uttarakhand Cooperative Minister Dhan Singh Rawat inaugurated the Cooperative Fair at Ramlila Maidan, marking the International Cooperative Year 2025. After inspecting over 30 stalls, he praised women self-help groups for their handicrafts and organic farm products, and encouraged the expansion of milk cooperatives.
Stressing the need for strong branding of hill products, he asked officials to frame plans to tap national and global markets. Rawat said cooperatives remain the biggest pillar of rural economic empowerment, adding that digitisation and modernisation will boost jobs, marketing and financial access.
He announced new cooperative banks, unsecured loans for women, micro-ATMs in select villages, and urged youth to generate employment through cooperatives.
In a related move, aimed at elevating Champawat district into a model region, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, unveiled the logo of the “Adarsh Champawat” initiative at the cooperative fair in Tanakpur.
The emblem features a historic temple at its centre-symbolising the district’s spiritual heritage-backed by green hills representing ecological richness. Gears highlight technology and industry, a young figure rafting emphasises youth empowerment and adventure tourism, and folk-art motifs reflect cultural roots.
Together, these elements underpin a holistic plan for governance, environment, innovation and inclusive growth.
