What Did CM Bhupendra Patel Say About Gujarat’s Rs 4 Lakh Crore Cooperative Economy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat’s cooperative sector has surpassed Rs 4 lakh crore in turnover.
- Over 89,000 cooperative societies exist in Gujarat.
- Local empowerment is crucial for the cooperative movement.
- Amar Dairy employs over 35,000 individuals.
- Support for indigenous products is essential for economic growth.
Gandhinagar, Sep 21 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, took part in the ‘Sahkar Se Samruddhi’ (Prosperity Through Cooperation) conclave on Sunday, coinciding with the annual general meeting of Amreli's cooperative organizations.
This significant event included representatives from the Amreli District Central Cooperative Bank, the Amreli District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (Amar Dairy), the Amreli District Cooperative Union, and the Amreli District Cooperative Purchase-Sale Union, among others.
During his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, India is advancing towards a “cooperative revolution.”
He remarked that the cooperative sector in Gujarat has surpassed a remarkable turnover of Rs 4 lakh crore, and asserted that the ethos of cooperation is inherently woven into the fabric of Gujarati culture. Patel recalled the influential principles of Mahatma Gandhi’s Gram Swaraj and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s cooperative initiatives, underscoring the vital role of cooperatives in empowering rural communities.
“By opting for local products and supporting the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, we can achieve the vision of prosperity through cooperation,” he stated.
The Chief Minister praised the contributions of IFFCO chairman Dilip Sanghani and acknowledged the milestones of Amreli’s cooperative entities—like Amar Dairy, which generates employment for over 35,000 individuals, and various women’s credit societies that have played a key role in promoting self-reliance and empowerment.
Furthermore, he highlighted that Gujarat boasts more than 89,000 cooperative societies with 1.65 crore members, many of which serve as models for the rest of the nation. Patel took the opportunity to honor pioneers of the cooperative movement and commend achievers, including newly appointed leaders of state and international cooperative organizations.
Additionally, the Chief Minister distributed cheques to recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Rural Group Accident Insurance Scheme, along with micro-ATMs for rural cooperative societies. The conclave saw substantial participation from cooperative society members, local legislators, MPs, and senior figures in the dairy and cooperative sectors.