Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu has called upon neighbouring states Punjab and Haryana to act as “elder brothers” and support Himachal Pradesh in securing its rightful share in inter-state matters, including the return of the Shanan hydroelectric project and pending arrears from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day National Cooperative Conference in Shimla, CM Sukhu expressed concern that despite the expiry of the lease for the Shanan project and a Supreme Court decision in the state’s favour, Punjab and Haryana continue to delay action. “Punjab and Haryana are our elder brothers, and they should extend support generously to their younger brother,” Sukhu emphasized.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Cyber Security Operations Centre of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank and launched its cooperative anthem and souvenir. He commended the resilience of the cooperative sector in Himachal Pradesh, which has grown to include over 5,000 societies, including nearly 2,000 primary agricultural credit societies serving farmers and rural households.
Responding to Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri’s appeal, Sukhu assured the government would consider relaxing Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act for cooperative societies aiming to purchase land for business purposes. He also urged the State Cooperative Bank to implement a one-time settlement scheme to aid debt-ridden farmers, orchardists, and small traders.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency by highlighting the dissolution of the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank board due to past irregularities and reaffirmed that misuse of public funds would not be tolerated.
Highlighting state achievements, CM Sukhu shared that Himachal Pradesh has climbed from 21st to 5th place in the national education rankings in 2025, with aspirations for the top spot. Health reforms include a ₹300 crore investment in modern hospital equipment and the introduction of robotic surgery in two government institutions.
Despite facing natural calamities that caused losses of nearly ₹20,000 crore over three years, Himachal has maintained its development trajectory. Sukhu praised the local spirit of service, citing the recent rescue of 16,000 stranded pilgrims during the Manimahesh Yatra as a testament to the community’s resilience.
In support of rural livelihoods, the Chief Minister highlighted the success of the ‘Him-Era’ women’s self-help initiative, a ₹21-per-litre hike in milk procurement prices benefiting 2.5 lakh litres of daily collection, and the promotion of natural farming with assured support prices. Incentives are also being offered to women and youth engaged in forest conservation.
Union Minister of State for Cooperatives, Krishna Pal Gurjar, congratulated Himachal on achieving 100% literacy and outlined Central Government initiatives to strengthen cooperatives, including the “Sehkaar Taxi Sewa,” which could boost Himachal’s tourism-based economy. He suggested that Himachal institutions be linked to the new Tribhuvan Cooperative University, with potential fee concessions for hill states.
Deputy CM Agnihotri recalled the origins of the cooperative movement in Himachal in 1892 from Panjawar in Una district and emphasized the public’s trust, with cooperative banks now managing deposits worth nearly ₹60,000 crore.
Uttarakhand’s Cooperative Minister Dhan Singh Rawat also shared insights on their progress, highlighting that over 10 lakh farmers in Uttarakhand have benefitted from cooperative-backed agricultural loans.
The event was attended by senior state officials, cooperative leaders, and representatives from across the country.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
