On the occasion of Republic Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 at his official residence on Sunday, making Uttar Pradesh the first state in India to initiate this global celebration.
As part of the inaugural series, the ‘Run For Cooperation’ marathon was flagged off in Lucknow from 5 Kalidas Marg, the Chief Minister’s residence.
The marathon aimed to promote cooperative values and unity, aligning with the theme of the International Year of Cooperatives. Winners of the marathon were felicitated by Cooperation Minister JPS Rathore, who extended their best wishes for their future endeavors.
During the event, the Chief Minister virtually inaugurated two newly constructed warehouses under the Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) scheme. These included a 15,000 metric ton capacity warehouse in Manjhanpur, Kaushambi, and a 5,000 metric ton capacity warehouse in Hariharpur, Sultanpur.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath extended Republic Day greetings and paid homage to all known and unknown freedom fighters. Highlighting the significance of cooperation, he stated that a self-reliant India is achievable through the integration of cooperative principles into everyday life. He also emphasized that cooperation is deeply embedded in India’s ethos and culture.
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the cooperative movement in India, with the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation under Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership.
He added that the cooperative movement is empowering farmers, women, and the youth, ensuring inclusive development across the country.
CM Yogi highlighted the strides made by Uttar Pradesh in the cooperative sector in recent
years. He mentioned efforts to revitalize cooperative societies, link them with rural development, and enhance the role of cooperative banks by encouraging digital payments and increasing credit limits to Rs 10 lakh, benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs alike.
Further, the Chief Minister announced plans to transform fair price shops in villages into model shops selling daily-use items, excluding intoxicants. He shared updates on the construction of warehouses at district, block, and village levels to strengthen rural infrastructure.
The event saw the presence of Minister of State for Cooperation JPS Rathore, UP Principal Cooperation Secretary Sorabh Babu, RCS Anil Kumar Singh, UP StCB Chairman Jitendra Singh, MD R K Kulshrestha former minister and MLC Dr. Mahendra Singh, MLC Avnish Singh Patel, and other dignitaries, along with senior officials from the cooperative and related departments.
A large number of Sahakar Bharati leaders including Rama Shankar Jalaun were present. PHD Task Force Chairman Vinit Nahata also participated in the event, as is clear by a mail by his office.
The cooperative department’s initiatives and contributions were widely appreciated during the program.
