A high-level “Manthan Baithak” of Cooperation Ministers from all States and Union Territories was held in Gandhinagar on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, with the objective of advancing the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
The Baithak took place at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar and was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, along with Cooperation Ministers from various States and UTs and senior officials of the cooperation departments.
On the occasion, projects worth Rs 265.30 crore related to ethanol, energy, bio-potash, warehouse infrastructure and protein powder plants were inaugurated and foundation stones laid virtually by Amit Shah. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening the cooperative ecosystem, boosting rural economic growth and enhancing income opportunities for farmers through value addition and diversification.
A special exhibition organised alongside the meeting was also inaugurated by the Union Minister. Leading cooperative institutions from across the country showcased their modern services, innovative business models and products. Dedicated stalls promoting natural farming and organic produce were set up to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on strengthening the cooperative structure nationwide and ensuring greater profitability for members, especially farmers and workers.
Discussions focused on the upcoming National Cooperative Policy, expansion and diversification of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and the establishment of the proposed Tribhuvan Sahkari University. Best practices adopted by various States in the cooperative sector were shared, and a special report on the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 was released.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah emphasised that cooperation remains a powerful instrument to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach grassroots stakeholders, particularly those engaged in labour and agriculture. The Manthan Baithak marked a significant step toward aligning State and Central efforts to modernise and expand India’s cooperative movement.