As part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Muralidhar Mohol, inaugurated a series of new initiatives by the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank at a glittering event held in Mumbai on Monday.
Mohol unveiled the bank’s new logo, inaugurated the Sahakar Gallery—a showcase of Maharashtra’s rich history and contributions to the cooperative movement—and launched a thematic flag along with the MSC Bank’s official theme song.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from several notable dignitaries, including State Cooperation Minister Balasaheb Patil, Pankaj Bhoyar, Anandrao Adsul, Pravin Darekar, Sahakar Bharati President Uday Joshi, and Subhash Mohite, as well as the chairpersons and managing directors of District Cooperative Banks in Maharashtra. Representatives from Urban Cooperative Banks, Credit Societies, and other cooperative organizations also attended the occasion with great fervour.
A key figure behind organizing the event, MSC Bank’s Administrative Board Chairman Vidyadhar Anaskar, was widely acknowledged for his leadership and vision, which contributed significantly to the success of the celebrations.
In his welcome speech, Anaskar extended a warm and heartfelt greeting to all attendees, setting a positive and inclusive tone for the event. He individually acknowledged and introduced the esteemed dignitaries present, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the growth and success of Maharashtra’s cooperative movement.
During his address, Mohol spoke about the various initiatives undertaken by the Union Ministry of Cooperation to strengthen the roots of the cooperative movement. He emphasized the pivotal role of cooperatives in driving development and fostering inclusive growth.
“The Central Ministry of Cooperation has launched several national initiatives, such as empowering Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), constructing grain warehouses, and establishing new national-level cooperative organizations like NCOL, NCEL, and BBSSL to strengthen the cooperative framework in the country,” he stated.
Mohol also shared insights on upcoming plans, including the establishment of a Cooperative University, the development of a National Cooperative Policy, and the creation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee by the Union Ministry of Cooperation. He further emphasized the need to promote cooperation among cooperatives and discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening PACS in Maharashtra. He highlighted the ongoing computerization efforts of PACS, explaining how these efforts would lead to stronger District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) and ultimately empower the state cooperative bank.
The event featured several presentations, including an overview of the performance of DCCBs in Maharashtra and a detailed account of MSC Bank’s achievements and financial performance.
A felicitation ceremony was also held to honor former administrators of MSC Bank, recognizing their remarkable contributions to strengthening the bank’s foundation.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by MSC Bank’s Managing Director, Dilip N. Digh, who expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their participation and support.
