Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel addressed the Acknowledgement Ceremony of the Gujarat State Co-Operative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank Ltd (Kheti Bank), lauding the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inclusive development policies on the cooperative sector. The event celebrated the bank’s outstanding achievements, including maintaining a zero per cent Non-Performing Assets (NPA) for three consecutive years and significant progress in digitising branches for greater transparency.
Highlighting Gujarat’s leadership in the cooperative movement, CM Patel said, “Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Cooperation Minister Mr. Amit Shah, Gujarat has emerged as a beacon of cooperative development.” He noted that the PM’s mantra of ‘Sahkar Se Samridhi’ has invigorated cooperative institutions by actively involving farmers, animal husbandry practitioners, milk producers, and women.
The Chief Minister further praised Kheti Bank’s reforms in simplifying loan procedures, revising land valuation policies, and speeding up loan disbursal processes, which have collectively bolstered farmers’ trust and financial empowerment. “For the first time since independence, a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation has been created to take Gujarat’s successful cooperative model to the national level,” he added.
He also acknowledged the nationwide expansion of cooperative networks, with all Gram Panchayats linked under the leadership of Union Cooperation Minister Mr. Amit Shah, fostering rural economic growth and employment through the creation of 2 lakh Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
The event also featured felicitations for district managers and directors for their excellent work in accident insurance assistance, loan distribution, and increasing savings accounts. Chief Minister Patel extended best wishes to Nirmaben Thakor, Kheti Bank’s brand ambassador, as she prepares for the upcoming Moscow Marathon; she was presented with air tickets, the national flag, and a sports kit.
Mr. Dilip Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO and Gujcomasol, thanked the Chief Minister for his farmer-friendly policies and highlighted cooperative institutions’ dual role of profit and social responsibility. Kheti Bank Chairman Mr. Dollar Kotecha expressed gratitude for the CM’s approval of ₹102 crore support for farmers through the Settlement and Saral Schemes, and proudly mentioned international delegations from Jordan, Palestine, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka that have visited and appreciated Kheti Bank.
Other dignitaries present included Gandhinagar North MLA Ritaben Patel, Cooperative Cell Convener Mr. Bipinbhai, Bank Vice Chairman Mr. Jivanbhai Ahir, Gandhinagar City President Mr. Ashish Dave, and numerous Kheti Bank leaders and member farmers.
