Himachal to award 5 MW Hydro projects to cooperatives

Shri Kuldeep Kumar, Industries Minister who also holds the portfolio of Cooperation presided over the closing function of Cooperative Week held at the Regional Institute of Cooperative Management at Chandigarh today.

Speaking on occasion, the Minister said that the Cooperative movement could bring change in Indian economy especially in rural areas, therefore, there was a need to make it the movement of people. He said that the role of Cooperatives had become more important in the era of globalization which required qualities of competition and excellence and added that more attention was being given for promotion of rural economy and Agriculture Marketing Societies could play a pivotal role in it.

Referring the Cooperative scenario in Himachal Pradesh, the Cooperative Minister said that despite of difficulties arising in far-flung and snow-bound areas, the Government was delivering goods through Cooperative Societies. He revealed that Hydro-electric projects upto 5 MW would be given to Cooperatives on priority basis and added that all the 12 districts in the State have been covered under Integrated Cooperative Development Projects that aimed at construction of godowns and buildings. He said that the State Government has assured bank guarantee to viable Cooperative Societies with a view to strengthen and widen their sphere of business and added that Primary Agriculture Societies in the State have been allowed to diversify their business in addition to sale of commodities under Public Distribution System. He further said that 4382 Cooperative Societies with membership of 13 lac 47 thousand persons were playing a vital role in the economy of Himachal Pradesh.

He also gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions organized to mark the Cooperative Week.

HP News Network