4th Cooperative Mela 2025 Inaugurated in Assam
Union MoS Krishan Pal Gurjar links cooperative resurgence to Assam’s cultural ethos
- 4th Cooperative Mela 2025 begins in Guwahati, runs till December 15
- Union MoS Krishan Pal Gurjar inaugurates event with Assam Cooperation Minister
- Emphasis on “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” and PACS reforms in Assam
- 160 cooperative societies showcase products and innovations
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 14th Dec: The 4th Cooperative Mela 2025 was inaugurated on Saturday at AEI Ground, Chandmari, marking a major push to showcase the strength and potential of Assam’s cooperative movement. The three-day event, being held from December 13 to 15, is organised by the Cooperation Department, Government of Assam, under the guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
The Mela was formally inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar in the presence of Assam’s Minister for Cooperation Jogen Mohan.
Addressing the gathering, Gurjar said the cooperative movement in Assam is deeply rooted in the state’s cultural and spiritual traditions. He recalled the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and Mahapurush Madhavdev, stating that their ideals of unity, equality and service form the foundation of the cooperative spirit.
The Union Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Union Minister of Cooperation, the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” is steadily taking shape across the country. He described the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 as a historic step that has provided a clear roadmap for building a modern, inclusive and globally competitive cooperative system by 2047.
Gurjar praised Assam’s progress in the sector, crediting Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Cooperation Minister Jogen Mohan for accelerating reforms. He noted that Assam has emerged as a front-runner in key national initiatives, including the 100 per cent computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), with over 800 PACS already adopting new Model Byelaws. He said these reforms are empowering youth and women, encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening financial inclusion for more than 32 lakh members.
He added that Assam is aligned with the National Cooperative Policy 2025 goal of establishing at least one cooperative in every village by 2026 and called for collective efforts to build a self-reliant, cooperative-led future for the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Assam Cooperation Minister Jogen Mohan described the Mela as a vibrant platform for grassroots empowerment. He highlighted the role of cooperatives in promoting self-reliance, particularly through innovative practices such as converting waste into valuable resources using locally available materials. He said cooperatives are contributing across sectors, from essential goods production and women’s Self-Help Groups to youth-led enterprises.
The 4th Cooperative Mela features participation from 160 cooperative societies across sectors including handloom, fisheries, dairy, agriculture, and women and youth-led enterprises. The event includes exhibitions, interactions and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening cooperation-driven development in Assam over the next two days.
