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Last Update: Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 17:30 [IST]

Indian Cooperatives: A beacon of new hope

DILIP SANGHANI (NCUI, IFFCO &GUJCOMASOL, Former Cooperation Minister, Gujarat


The stream of Cooperation flows smoothly; it knows no barriers. Wherever it passes through, it sows seeds of small and big development and nurtures economic support. Truly, more than what it literally means, Cooperation is the real embodiment of social and economic upliftment. We all are, in some way, connected, involved, and are collaborating in the journey of Cooperation.

India’s cooperative tradition dates back to ancient times, deeply rooted in its culture and economic systems. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the financial structure of villages reflects the cooperative framework, providing employment, supporting families, and contributing to social development. The spirit of Cooperation had major role to play in our freedom struggle. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s visionary efforts to unify princely states and Gandhi’s “Quit India” movement demonstrated social cooperation. Thus, it can be confidently said that cooperation is innate to our nation’s ethos.

Recognizing the transformative potential of this model, the Government of India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, created the Ministry of Cooperation—a historic step in modern India. This initiative reflects Modi Ji’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and prosperity.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, who is a seasoned cooperative leader, has been instrumental in spearheading revolutionary changes in the sector. Under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary policies and guidance India’s cooperative movement have got a new direction, with much emphasis on “Sahkar se Samriddhi.” Under the guidance of Amit Shah, Cooperatives sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, and is getting fast recognition at global level. 

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi