Dehradun: The capital city of Uttarakhand witnessed the grand inauguration of the Cooperatives Fair, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially opening the event. During the ceremony, CM Dhami distributed interest-free loans of ₹5 lakh each to women cooperatives and self-help groups (SHGs), underscoring the government’s focus on empowering women and promoting rural self-reliance.
Cooperatives Fair Celebrates International Year of Cooperatives 2025
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, prompting states across India to organize fairs and events highlighting cooperative initiatives. In line with this, Uttarakhand celebrated the occasion along with the state’s Silver Jubilee, showcasing the strength and resilience of the cooperative sector.
Addressing attendees, CM Dhami said that the Cooperatives Fair is more than just an exhibition of products—it is a symbol of Uttarakhand’s cooperative power, rural self-reliance, and dignity. He emphasized that cooperation has been a core value of Indian society, where individuals work for the collective welfare of the community beyond personal interest.
Cooperatives: From Financial Support to Digital Empowerment
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s achievements, CM Dhami said the state has become a national leader in cooperative reforms. All 670 multi-purpose cooperative societies in the state are now digital, allowing citizens to access services via mobile phones rather than visiting offices physically.
He added that cooperative societies have expanded their role beyond providing loans. Through Jan Aushadhi Centers, they provide affordable medicines, while acting as Common Service Centers for insurance, pensions, electricity bill payments, Aadhaar services, and other digital facilities.
Women Empowerment and Self-Reliance
CM Dhami highlighted the Deendayal Upadhyay Cooperative Farmer Welfare Scheme, which provides interest-free loans to farmers, women SHGs, and cooperative institutions to foster self-reliance. Special emphasis has been given to women’s cooperatives and SHGs, enabling countless women to become financially independent and set inspiring examples of empowerment.
During the fair, CM Dhami also inspected various stalls set up by different departments and released the NABARD State Focus Paper 2026-27.
Cooperatives as a People-Centric Movement
CM Dhami praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah for transforming cooperatives into a powerful people’s movement. He noted that cooperatives today not only provide financial support but also empower farmers and women, ensure access to digital services, and distribute affordable generic medicines, playing a pivotal role in public welfare and community development.
