*The cooperative movement is a strong pillar of the rural economy- Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh

*Governor addresses state-level closing ceremony of the 72nd Cooperative Week in Panchkula as Chief Guest

*Haryana is a leading state in the cooperative sector: Governor

*Cooperatives in Haryana progressing with new energy and new vision: Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma

Chandigarh, November 20- Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that over the decades, the cooperative movement has played a crucial role in transforming rural economies, strengthening livelihoods and nurturing social cohesion. He added that Haryana, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, has been a frontrunner in the cooperative sector.

Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh was addressing at the state-level closing ceremony of the 72nd Cooperative Week, celebrated this year as a Cooperative Fair and Swadesh Mela, at Panchkula.

Earlier, Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, his wife Smt Mitra Ghosh, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, and his wife Dr. Rita Sharma visited stalls showcasing swadeshi products set up by cooperative societies. A Cooperative Song was also launched on the occasion.

He said that this special initiative not only marks the culmination of a week dedicated to cooperative ideals but also showcases the vibrant power of India’s swadeshi products, the creativity of our communities and the collective achievements of the cooperative sector in Haryana. Cooperatives are engines of grassroots empowerment. They are built on the values of mutual support, shared responsibility and democratic participation, principles that are deeply rooted in our cultural and social fabric, he added.

Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that the Cooperative Fair and Swadesh Mela showcase more than products and displays, it reflects the resilience and aspirations of thousands of families striving every day to create economic opportunities through collective effort. He said that women are shaping their financial independence, youth are turning innovation into enterprise, and farmers are enhancing productivity and income through cooperative institutions.

He said that PACS, dairy and sugar cooperatives, urban cooperative banks and village-level institutions have consistently demonstrated that when communities work together, they not only uplift themselves but also contribute to the progress of the entire state. The State government’s emphasis on digitalization, transparency, and capacity building has further strengthened this ecosystem.

He added that the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India under the dynamic leadership of Sh Amit Shah has initiated several measures across the country to strengthen the cooperative sector. These include computerization of PACS, establishment of three new national-level cooperative societies and the setting up of Tribhuvan Sahkari University.

While acknowledging the participation of Self-Help Groups, women cooperatives, artisan clusters, and young entrepreneurs in the fair, the Governor urged them to work toward stronger governance, improved training, adoption of modern technology, and wider market linkages. He said these efforts would enable cooperative institutions to compete globally while remaining rooted in local ethos.

On this occasion, the Governor also felicitated the winners of the exhibition held at the Cooperative Fair and Swadeshi Mela.

Speaking on the occasion, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed a separate Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 to further strengthen the cooperative movement in the country. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is progressing fast in the direction set by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, aligned with Prime Minister’s resolve of ‘prosperity through cooperation’.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the cooperative sector will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a developed and self-reliant India. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new energy, new thinking, and spirit of unity, the new National Cooperative Policy will be implemented with the aim of promoting self-employment and self-reliance among the state’s farmers, youth, and women.

He said that PACS, which earlier only provided loans, are now creating vast opportunities across 25 different sectors. Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma added that cooperation is not merely an idea but a means to secure the future of the entire world through innovation and research. He further said that, in collaboration with the country’s first cooperative university, Haryana will connect various colleges and universities to strengthen and expand the cooperative movement.

On this occasion, Chairman of the Haryana State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Amar Pal Rana, Chairman of Dairy Fed Ram Avtar Garg, Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, Vice Chairman of the Shivalik Development Board Om Prakash Devinagar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cooperation Department Vijayendra Kumar, Registrar Cooperative Societies Amardeep Singh, HAFED Managing Director Mukul Kumar, Dairy fed Managing Director Rohit Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police Srishti Gupta, along with other dignitaries, representatives of self-help groups, members of women cooperative societies, and young entrepreneurs were present.