Union Ministry of Cooperation Secretary Ashish Bhutani chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the headquarters of Gujarat State Cooperative Bank (GSC Bank) in Ahmedabad on Saturday last week.
The meeting was convened to assess the performance and challenges faced by various cooperatives in the state, with a particular focus on the implementation of welfare schemes launched by the Union Ministry of Cooperation.
The review meeting saw the participation of prominent leaders from the cooperative sector, including COBI Chairman Ajay Patel, Nafed Chairman Jethabhai Bharwad, Gujcomasol Vice-Chairman Bipin Patel, and Banas Bank Chairman Savsi Chaudhary, who were physically present at the meeting.
The meeting also included virtual participation from Chairmen, CEOs, and other senior officials from district central cooperative banks, district-level milk unions, and federations across Gujarat.
NCUI President Dileepbhai Sanghani, who also serves as Chairman of Amreli District Cooperative Bank, joined the meeting virtually.
In his remarks to the Indian Cooperative, Sanghani emphasized the fruitful nature of the discussions, which centered on how citizens of Gujarat could fully benefit from the welfare schemes provided through dairy and cooperative banks.
“The meeting was very fruitful,” he said, underlining the productive dialogue that took place.
Tejash Patel, Chairman of Kaira District Cooperative Bank, also shared his insights with the Indian Cooperative, highlighting the positive outcomes of centrally sponsored schemes for cooperatives.
“The cooperatives are becoming financially vibrant and growing. So far, 8 lakh new accounts have been opened in district cooperative banks, and these banks have mobilized deposits of around Rs 6,600 crore,” Patel noted, pointing to the tangible benefits of the initiatives discussed.
The meeting also aimed at advancing the “Cooperation Among Cooperative Institutions” initiative, a key focus of the Union Ministry of Cooperation. Patel added.
The discussions and outcomes of this meeting highlighted the critical role that cooperative institutions play in Gujarat’s economic and social development. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, the meeting paved the way for a more robust and dynamic cooperative sector in the state.
It bears recalling that Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah also reviewed the progress of DCCBs and dairy cooperatives of Gujarat on the occasion of 102nd International Cooperative Day. 
