Haldwani: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Haldwani on a one-day tour on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, and participated in the Cooperative Fair 2025 organized by the Cooperation Department at the MB Inter College grounds. The fair showcased self-help groups (SHGs), cooperative societies, and their local products from across the state. The event was attended by prominent leaders including BJP MP Ajay Bhatt and other elected representatives.
Key Announcements and Initiatives
During the event, CM Dhami highlighted the pivotal role of cooperative societies in state development and announced several key initiatives:
- 671 cooperative societies in Uttarakhand are now fully digital, making the state a national model for digitized cooperatives.
- Over 1.68 lakh women members of SHGs in the state have become “Lakhipati Didis,” benefiting from financial support of crores of rupees under government schemes.
- The state government has provided financial assistance of ₹16.97 crore to women SHGs in livestock and vegetable production under the Deendayal Upadhyay Cooperative Welfare Scheme, and ₹75.5 lakh under NRLM SHG programs.
- CM Dhami announced infrastructure development projects including the ₹792 crore Haldwani Ring Road, a cancer institute at the medical college, and new rail and helicopter services to improve connectivity.
He also emphasized the government’s initiatives for farmers:
- MSP for mandua increased from ₹42.90/kg to ₹48.86/kg.
- Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh under Deendayal Farmer Welfare Schemes.
- Cooperative banks extending loans to support women SHGs and local entrepreneurs.
Digitization and Cooperative Strengthening
CM Dhami highlighted that Uttarakhand has pioneered computerization of multi-purpose cooperative societies, allowing farmers and members to access services online.
- 24 cooperative societies function as public medicine outlets, and 640 societies have been converted into Common Service Centers.
- Since February 2023, the government has established 800 new tax and fisheries cooperative societies, further strengthening the cooperative sector.
Demography and Cultural Preservation
CM Dhami addressed Haldwani’s changing demographics and stated that the government will ensure that the state’s culture and identity are preserved. Verification campaigns are underway across districts to check any irregularities in certificate issuance and eligibility, with action planned against violators.
Tourism and Char Dham Yatra Updates
CM Dhami said that despite challenges, over 51 lakh devotees participated in this year’s Char Dham pilgrimage, highlighting the importance of infrastructure improvements. He assured that winter and summer pilgrimage arrangements would continue with stakeholder meetings to ensure smooth travel. Efforts to reduce guest house charges and improve tourist facilities were also announced.
Women Empowerment and Local Products
Highlighting the significance of women SHGs, CM Dhami noted that these groups are contributing significantly to the state’s economy. He encouraged the public to support local products and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for promoting Swadeshi products, urging citizens to make it a mass movement for a self-reliant Uttarakhand.
Event Participation
The cooperative fair saw enthusiastic participation from women SHGs, local artisans, elected representatives, and government officials. The event served as a platform for promoting local products, empowering women, and creating awareness about the benefits of cooperative societies across the state.
