In a strong push towards empowering the cooperative sector, Maharashtra’s Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Prakash Abitkar, announced that key legal reforms will soon be introduced to strengthen credit societies (patsansthas) across the state.
He was speaking at the “Mahila Sahakar Mela”, a one-day training camp and award ceremony organised jointly by the Maharashtra State Urban Credit Societies Federation, Mumbai, and Bhagirathi Nagari Sahakari Patsanstha, Kolhapur, at Anand Bhavan Hall, Cyber College.
Highlighting the growing role of women in the cooperative movement, Abitkar said that women are not just participants but future leaders of the sector, adding that those honoured at the event serve as role models for others.
He stressed that the state government, along with the federation, is committed to giving fresh momentum to the cooperative movement through women-led initiatives.
Reaffirming the government’s intent, he assured that upcoming reforms will aim at improving governance, transparency, and operational efficiency in credit societies.
Abitkar also expressed gratitude for being honoured with the “Sahakar Shri” award by Bhagirathi Patsanstha.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries and a large number of women representatives from cooperative institutions, reflecting the rising influence of women in Maharashtra’s cooperative landscape.
