Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Mukesh Agnihotri on Monday asserted that cooperation is founded on trust and the State Government is committed to strengthening and safeguarding this trust at all costs. He was speaking as the chief guest at a Cooperative Conference organized by NABARD in Shimla as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the government and cooperative institutions must work in close coordination to further strengthen the cooperative movement. He emphasized the need for serious deliberation on how to modernize cooperatives and effectively connect the younger generation with this sector to ensure its sustainability and future growth.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that whenever cooperatives are discussed at the national level, Himachal Pradesh is invariably cited as a leading example. He recalled that the cooperative movement in the State has a proud legacy, with the first cooperative society in Himachal Pradesh being registered at Bhaderda. He added that while many states aspire to become champions of cooperation, the reality is that Himachal Pradesh has historically led the way in nurturing the cooperative spirit.
Highlighting the scale of the sector, he said the cooperative ecosystem has grown into a vast network comparable to the government itself, both in reach and financial size, with a budget nearly equivalent to that of the State Government. He underlined that cooperative banks, in particular, represent the “capital of public trust” and must always function in a manner that strengthens confidence among members and depositors.
Citing successful models, the Deputy Chief Minister referred to Bhuttico, whose products have earned national and international recognition. He noted that even the Prime Minister dons the iconic Kullu cap on international platforms, symbolizing Himachal Pradesh’s cooperative success and the credibility that Bhuttico has built over the years.
He further highlighted the invaluable contribution of cooperatives in the field of education. In Una district, Himcaps established the country’s first cooperative-run law college, which has produced lawyers and judges now serving in the Supreme Court and High Courts. The same institution has also set up a nursing college, with its graduates providing services across the country, reflecting the far-reaching impact of cooperative-led initiatives.
On policy matters, Mukesh Agnihotri said that with NABARD’s support, all cooperative societies in the State are moving towards digitalization. Referring to Section 118, he explained that societies without land ownership face hurdles in implementing projects. To address this, the State Government introduced a bill proposing exemptions for societies whose entire board comprises Himachali residents, ensuring that local people do not face unnecessary procedural difficulties. He informed that the bill has been referred to a Select Committee and a resolution is expected by the budget session.
Stressing the need to revive dormant cooperatives, he said that Kangra’s tea societies, Lahaul’s potato societies and Kullu’s Him Bunkar Society need urgent revitalization. He called upon NABARD and the State Government to work together to bring these societies back to active operation.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted NABARD’s support in expanding the electric vehicle network, with an investment commitment of around ₹110 crore. He noted significant progress in the dairy sector, with the formation of about 900 milk cooperatives. In the renewable energy sector, he said Himachalis setting up solar plants of up to 100 watts are being provided approvals along with subsidies. He expressed gratitude to NABARD for its consistent support in sectors such as roads, transport, cooperatives and water resources.
Concluding his address, Mukesh Agnihotri said that nearly 20 lakh people are associated with the cooperative sector in Himachal Pradesh, which represents an economic network of around ₹50,000 crore. He urged people to responsibly safeguard this system by ensuring timely repayment of loans taken from cooperative banks.
Earlier, Secretary (Cooperation) C. Palrasu said that various activities were organized throughout the year under the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, including chintan camps, plantation drives and marathons, with the conference marking the concluding event. He stressed the importance of designing cooperative schemes based on local needs rather than replication, and emphasized youth participation to achieve the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
