Uttarakhand cooperative reforms: Changes in cooperative rules and announcement of five new cooperative models, 350 professional secretaries will be recruited

Uttarakhand Cooperative Reforms

Dehradun, 9 July 2025: At the conclusion of the two-day workshop “Sahkar Manthan-2025” organized by the Department of Cooperation, Uttarakhand, Cooperation Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat announced major reforms in the cooperative sector, including amendments to the Cooperative Act and Rules. He stated that the goal of these changes is to make the cooperative system future-ready and transparent.

Dr. Rawat noted that in Uttarakhand, the scope of cooperatives has expanded beyond banking and has become a socio-economic movement. Transparency, technology, and local participation are essential to this transformation. Presenting statistics, he said there are 670 PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) in the state with 1.1 million registered members. Additionally, 10 district cooperative banks and one state cooperative bank have 1.9 million account holders. In total, about 35% of the state’s population (approximately 3 million people) is linked to the cooperative system.

Key Reforms in Uttarakhand’s Cooperative Sector

• Membership Campaign: Under the “Cooperative Drive” campaign, 1 lakh (100,000) new members and 1 lakh new bank accounts will be added by 31 December 2025.

• Performance-Based Promotions and Transfers: Promotions and transfers in the department will now be based on performance. A new transfer policy has been implemented in cooperative banks, and instructions for changes in working methods have been issued.

Restructuring of Inactive Societies

Dr. Rawat stated that out of 6,500 cooperative societies, around 1,500 are inactive. Action to dissolve or reorganize such societies has begun. From 24 July, a reform-focused inspection campaign will start in Haridwar, and post-election code of conduct, this campaign will be extended to other districts, led by Assistant, Deputy, and Joint Registrars.

Recruitment of 350 Professional Secretaries

For the first time in the history of cooperatives, 350 secretaries will be appointed through a written examination. A draft for this process has been ordered to be prepared within a week.

Five Innovative Cooperative Models Announced

1. Medical Cooperative: To provide affordable and accessible healthcare in rural and urban areas. This will include hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and insurance services.

2. Yuva Sahkar (Youth Cooperative): To engage youth in startups and cooperative models focusing on agritech, e-commerce, dairy, and IT sectors.

3. Van Sahkarita (Forest Cooperative): Aimed at tribal and forest communities, helping them benefit from minor forest produce collection, processing, and marketing.

4. Tourism Cooperative: To connect rural tourism with local youth, including homestays, folk arts, and guide services. This aims to generate employment and curb migration.

5. Multinational Fisheries Cooperative: To develop an internationally competitive cooperative model in the fisheries sector.

Future Plans

Dr. Rawat said, “It is up to us whether we see the glass half full as disappointment or as potential. Cooperatives hold immense potential – what we need is willpower and execution.”

He also announced an upcoming one-day Sahkar Manthan with former district cooperative bank members, top cooperative societies, and other stakeholders. Preparations have been directed for the cooperative fairs to be held from September. Finally, he appealed to all officers and employees to promote the cooperative movement widely.

Expert Deliberations for Policy Formation

In the final session of the workshop, six key topics were discussed by six expert groups:

1. Digital Transformation of Cooperatives: Technological innovation.

2. Role in Green Development: Contribution to green growth.

3. State Cooperative Enhancement: Empowering state-level cooperatives.

4. Consumer-Centric Banking: Customer-focused services.

5. Cooperative Education & Training: Capacity building and training.

6. Rural Innovation: Innovation-based rural cooperatives.

Notable Attendees

The event was attended by Subhash Ramola (Former Chairman, District Cooperative Bank), Meharban Singh Bisht (Registrar of Cooperatives), Ira Upreti (Additional Registrar), Anand Shukla (Joint Registrar), Neeraj Belwal (Joint Registrar), Mangala Tripathi (Joint Registrar), Ramindri Mandarwal (Deputy Registrar), Rajesh Chauhan (Assistant Registrar, Headquarters), Monika, and other departmental officials, ADCs from districts, and cooperative stakeholders.