Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized the growing role of women in strengthening the cooperative ecosystem in Uttarakhand, highlighting their contribution to rural livelihoods and inclusive development.
Speaking in the Assembly, he said the state government is actively promoting women’s participation in cooperative societies and self-help groups through targeted schemes and policy support.
Initiatives such as the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission and women-focused empowerment programmes have enabled over 2.65 lakh women to become “Lakhpati Didis,” reflecting the success of grassroots economic models.
He noted that 33 percent reservation for women in cooperative societies has significantly improved their representation and decision-making role. Women-led groups are also being supported in product development, branding, and market linkages, helping them expand their economic footprint.
Dhami stressed that empowering women through cooperatives is key to boosting rural incomes and building a resilient local economy, adding that the government remains committed to strengthening this inclusive growth model.