Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the Cooperative Fair organised at Rangers Ground, Dehradun, on the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. Participating as the Chief Guest, the Governor visited various stalls at the fair and addressed the gathering.
In his address, the Governor said that cooperation means working together and reflects the spirit of “one for all and all for one.” He emphasised that the cooperative movement is deeply rooted in India’s tradition and way of life. Institutions such as gram sabhas, panchayats, collective irrigation systems and community-led construction of temples and schools are historic examples of cooperation, he said.
The Governor noted that cooperatives contribute significantly beyond production and distribution, playing a key role in poverty eradication, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, food security and environmental protection, in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. He appreciated the creation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation by the Union Government, calling it a visionary step towards inclusive growth.
Expressing pride, he said Uttarakhand is the only state to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in cooperative societies. Women self-help groups are emerging as strong drivers of economic growth and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted that state cooperatives are supplying essential commodities to the Army, ITBP and other paramilitary forces.
Cooperation Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat said 11 cooperative fairs have been organised so far, with participation of over three lakh farmers. More than 30 lakh farmers are currently associated with cooperative societies, with a target of over 50 lakh in the future.