As part of the International Year of Cooperatives–2025, Gujarat hosted a grand cooperative conference on Wednesday with the theme “Sahkar Se Samruddhi”. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and witnessed the participation of several prominent leaders from the state’s cooperative sector.
The conference brought together key dignitaries, including Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, Cooperation Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma, IFFCO and NCUI Chairman Dileepbhai Sanghani, GCMMF Chairman Ashok Chaudhary, GSC Bank Chairman Ajay Patel, Jayen Mehta and others.
In his keynote address, CM Bhupendra Patel underlined the pivotal role of cooperatives in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.
He urged cooperative institutions to embrace the motto “Vocal for Local, Local for Global” and highlighted their potential in positioning India as the world’s third-largest economy.
“To strengthen this vision, the Government of India has introduced the New Cooperative Policy – 2025. Additionally, India’s first Tri-Bhuvan Cooperative University is being established in Anand to generate skilled manpower for the cooperative sector”, he added.
Gujarat Legislative Assembly speaker Shankar Chaudhary reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusive growth, guided by the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
Cooperation Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma noted that, under the leadership of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, more than 60 transformative initiatives have been launched in the sector in a short span.
Other cooperative leaders, including GCMMF Chairman Ashok Chaudhary, lauded Gujarat’s cooperative model, citing successful innovations such as PACS computerization and micro-ATMs that are empowering rural communities.
The speakers also emphasized the vital contribution of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in realizing the vision of “From Swadeshi to Atmanirbhar Bharat.” By engaging farmers, cattle rearers, and women in cooperative activities, PACS are boosting the rural economy and fostering self-reliance.
The conference concluded with a strong resolve that Gujarat’s cooperative movement will continue to empower farmers, women, and rural entrepreneurs, while serving as a pillar of India’s march towards self-reliance and global leadership.
