Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms and improved management within the cooperative sector.
His remarks came while chairing the 3rd State-level Cooperative Development Committee (SCDC) meeting ahead of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025.
The meeting here discussed comprehensive plans for Odisha’s participation in IYC 2025, a global initiative declared by the United Nations General Assembly. With the theme “Cooperatives for a Better World,” the year-long celebration will highlight the significant contributions of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Ahuja called for stronger and more visionary management structures within the cooperative sector, stressing that the challenges and needs of agriculture must be at the heart of these reforms.
He noted that the cooperative model must evolve to meet the demands of modern agriculture and better support farmers in Odisha.
Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, the State Cooperatives Commissioner and Secretary, presented a detailed proposal outlining a series of programs to be held in Odisha from March to December 2025.
These programs will showcase the contributions of cooperatives, with a particular emphasis on agriculture and rural development. The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department Dr. Arvinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Rural Development and Information and Public Relations Department Sanjay Kumar Singh; and other senior officials.
A comprehensive action plan was discussed to mark the International Year of Cooperatives, including the organization of monthly programs at the state, district, and grassroots levels throughout 2025.
These initiatives will be overseen by an apex committee headed by the Chief Minister, while the SCDC, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will manage state-level activities. District Cooperative Development Committees will ensure smooth implementation at the local level.
To raise awareness of these initiatives, a comprehensive media plan will be developed. A wide range of events, including seminars, workshops, expert talks, and school and college competitions, will take place.
Special emphasis will be placed on increasing women’s participation in cooperatives, as well as launching projects and awareness campaigns across Odisha. Notably, street plays, parades, and “Samvaya Rath” information drives will be organized in villages and panchayats to foster greater public understanding and involvement in the cooperative movement.
As part of efforts to modernize and strengthen cooperative societies, state-level training programs will be conducted. These programs aim to transform cooperative societies into dynamic organizations that meet a wide range of community needs.
Through these initiatives, the state hopes to bolster the cooperative movement’s role in strengthening the economy and empowering rural communities. The year-long celebration in 2025 will provide a platform to showcase the achievements and future potential of the cooperative sector in Odisha.
