Over 23,000 Kisan Credit Cards and 3.8 lakh RuPay Debit Cards have been issued to farmers and milk-producing mothers at zero percent interest
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, July 06, 2024: To promote cooperation among cooperatives, the Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah today urged that all financial transactions within the cooperative sector be conducted internally. He highlighted the success of pilot projects in Banaskantha and Panchmahal districts of Gujarat, where "Co-operation Among Co-operatives" initiatives have raised Rs785 crore in deposits. Additionally, over 23,000 Kisan Credit Cards and 3.8 lakh RuPay Debit Cards have been issued to farmers and milk-producing mothers at zero percent interest.
Shri Amit Shah urged current cooperative leaders to actively support cooperative activities, enhancing the economic prosperity of Gujarat and India. He noted that cooperative organizations such as NAFED, IFFCO, Amul, and KRIBHCO have gained global recognition, but there is still more to accomplish. Amul launched its first Amul Organic store in Delhi and plans to open 100 more stores across the country in the near future. Shri Amit Shah emphasized that cooperation in India is a long-standing tradition.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel conveyed his commitment to tripling the pace of development during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's third term. He affirmed that the cooperative sector, under the guidance of Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, is dedicated to setting new records in this endeavor. The Chief Minister highlighted that International Cooperative Day is celebrated with the aim of 'Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.' He added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah have provided a new direction for comprehensive development in the cooperative sector with the mantra "Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishwas, and Sauno Prayas." The Chief Minister also elaborated on the transformation of the cooperative sector over the past decade under the visionary leadership of the first Minister for Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah.
CM noted significant progress in economically empowering primary cooperative societies across the country and advancing the cooperative sector technologically. PACs and cooperative societies have been operationalized at the Gram Panchayat level, with 93,000 PACS centers developed as multipurpose service centers equipped with digital technology. CM Shri Bhupendra Patel mentioned that over 2 crores 30 lakh members of more than 83,000 societies are working cooperatively with the spirit of "Saman Hetu, Saman Hit, Saman Dhyey". He highlighted that cooperative institutions in the state now contribute to service initiatives for the future development of students from medical colleges. He also noted that more than 400 natural farming cooperative societies are operating in the state to develop natural farming on a cooperative basis. CM Shri Bhupendra Patel conveyed his belief that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 will be realized through the cooperative sector's goal of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi.' He appealed to all those involved in cooperative activities to join the development journey, transforming through Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat during the Amrit Kaal.
Congratulating the International Day of Cooperation, Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma highlighted the Ministry of Cooperation's implementation of over 54 initiatives under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah. PACS has been pivotal as common service centers delivering various services at the village level, with model bylaws adopted in over 9,400 PACS societies in Gujarat. Over the past year, PACS services have expanded to 3,600 Gram Panchayats in the state, aiming to digitalize and enhance transparency in cooperatives. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel's leadership in Gujarat highlights the state government's steadfast commitment to realizing the cooperative development vision set by these two leaders.
In his welcome address, Shri Dilip Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO and Gujcomasol, acknowledged the Ministry of Cooperatives completing three years today. International Cooperation Day, celebrated since 1923 on the first Saturday of July, marks its 102nd edition this year with the theme "Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All." Highlighting IFFCO's achievement in producing Nano Urea, which has gained global acclaim, he highlighted its potential in mitigating pollution. Amul's first organic store was virtually launched in Delhi, India. The event also saw the distribution of 'Nano Urea Kits' to farmers involved in cooperative efforts and the launch of 'Bharat Organic Ata' by the National Cooperative Organics Limited. Shri Jyotindra Mehta, Chairman of Gujarat Urban Cooperative Bank Federation, conducted the thanksgiving ceremony.
On the occasion of International Cooperation Day, leaders from cooperatives across the country, including the Chairman of Gujarat Legislative Assembly and Chairman of Banas Dairy Shri Shankar Chaudhary, Amul Chairman Shri Shamal Patel, NAFED Chairman and Vice Chairman of Gujarat Legislative Assembly Shri Jetha Ahir, Kribhco Chairman Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, Gujarat State Cooperative Bank Chairman Shri Ajay Patel, Gujcomasol Vice Chairman Shri Bipin Patel, Agriculture Bank Chairman Shri Dolar Kotecha, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Narhari Amin, State Cooperative Union Chairman Shri Ghanshyam Amin, and IFFCO Director and MLA Shri Jayesh Raddia, gathered to commemorate the day.
