Cooperation Minister Suresh Bhardwaj here today presided over the review meeting of Cooperative Department and said that Himachal Pradesh is excelling in cooperative sector in the state. Suresh Bhardwaj said that the performance of cooperative sector in the state shows the priority of the state government towards welfare and upliftment of the people of the state. He also appreciated the efforts of the winners of Regional Awards for Cooperative Excellence and Merit 2021. He said the state government has always been encouraging those making commendable performances and in future also such people would be encouraged for their dedication and work. Earlier, Suresh Bhardwaj also presented Cooperative Excellence Award to Shikhar Handloom and Handicraft Weavers Co-operative Society Rampur and Pathiyar Agricultural Co-operative Society, Nagrota Bagwan and Cooperative Merit Award to Bhutti Weavers Co-operative Society, Bhuntar and Dhar Chhatotraya Agricultural Co-operative Society, Jaisingpur. The Cooperation Minister said that efforts are being made to increase the income of farmers in the cooperative sector and to provide proper marketing and other facilities to their produce. He directed the officers of the Cooperative Department to make people aware about the cooperative schemes and provide its benefit to them. Rakesh Verma, Regional Director, National Cooperative Development Corporation, Shimla welcomed the Cooperation Minister on the occasion. Secretary Cooperative Akshay Sood said that the State Government has always given priority to cooperatives and important contribution is being made in the development of the State through cooperative societies. He stressed on ensuring maximum participation of youth in cooperatives. Registrar State Cooperative Societies Rajesh Sharma presented vote of thanks. Director of Aravali Cluster Based Business Organization (CBBO) Dr. Yashpal Sharma presented a presentation on the contribution of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in the state. On this occasion, the Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank, Shrawan Manta, Assistant Registrars of all the districts, representatives of selected cooperative societies, Chief Executive Officer and Head of CBBO and FPO, senior officers of Cooperative Department and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
