Reviving Cooperative Values: ‘Sahkar se Samridhi’ in J&K

In the verdant landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, the cooperative movement has witnessed a revival, echoing the clarion call of ‘Sahkar se Samridhi’ or Prosperity through Cooperation. This resurgence is deeply rooted in historical context, tracing back to the region’s designation as a union territory in 2019. However, the recent inauguration of the 70th All India Cooperative Week by the Lieutenant Governor marks a symbolic milestone, signifying a tangible commitment to rejuvenate cooperative principles in this picturesque part of India.

Central to this resurgence is the steadfast support and guidance provided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home & Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah. Their vision has paved the way for the revitalization of cooperative values, aiming to create a socio-economic fabric that uplifts every citizen in Jammu and Kashmir. ‘Sahkar se Samridhi’ is not just a slogan; it serves as a clarion call for progress that resonates through the hills and valleys of the region. It signifies a renewed commitment to cooperative principles and values, offering an antidote to the challenges faced by this unique and diverse territory. During the inauguration ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor expressed profound gratitude for the instrumental roles played by the Prime Minister and the Home and cooperation Minister in championing the cooperative movement in J&K. This gratitude underscores the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of cooperative principles. The clarion call of ‘Sahkar se Samridhi’ has breathed new life into the values and principles of cooperatives, according to the Lieutenant Governor. This revival is not a mere abstraction but a tangible force contributing to the economic and social progress of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Several new initiatives were launched during the ceremony, poised to transform the landscape of cooperative development in J&K. Notably, 537 Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) were onboarded as Common Service Centres, decentralizing and empowering local cooperatives. Furthermore, 169 PACS were designated as PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras, aligning with the national vision of doubling farmers’ income, while 25 PACS were established as Jan-Aushadhi Kendras, fostering accessibility to affordable healthcare in the cooperative spirit. The launch of Sarhad Tourism Cooperative Ltd in Uri stands out as a significant step towards leveraging cooperative principles for the development of tourism circuits and homestays. This initiative not only promotes tourism but also ensures the active engagement and inclusion of the youth in J&K’s cooperative movement. The Unnati Behan program, unveiled during the celebration, underscores a commitment to gender-inclusive growth. This initiative focuses on empowering women through training for selling and developing various products within the cooperative framework. Beyond economic empowerment, it addresses gender equality in the cooperative movement, aligning with broader national objectives. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the pivotal role that cooperatives are poised to play in spearheading rural development. This encompasses the development of critical infrastructure such as godowns and cold storage facilities. Access to institutional finance and national and international markets is seen as a crucial aspect of realizing the grand vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The cooperative sector, with its inherent principles of self-help, democracy, and autonomy, is well-positioned to bring about transformative changes in rural landscapes. By fostering cooperative farming, establishing storage facilities, and facilitating market access, cooperatives become catalysts for sustainable rural development. The projects launched and inaugurated during the event reflect a comprehensive and integrated approach to cooperative development. Computerization of PACS, dashboards for cooperative banks and societies, and the establishment of cooperative super bazaars exemplify the infusion of technology into the cooperative sector, enhancing efficiency and transparency. The foundation stone laid for various works under CAPEX 2023-24 and the dedication of completed projects under CAPEX 2022-23 underscore a commitment to ongoing and future infrastructure development. These initiatives, driven by cooperative principles, are not merely symbolic gestures but tangible steps toward building a robust socio-economic framework.

Certainly, the revival of cooperative principles in Jammu and Kashmir, as encapsulated by ‘Sahkar se Samridhi,’ is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven development. The Lieutenant Governor’s visionary leadership, coupled with national support, has set the stage for a cooperative renaissance in the region. As J&K moves forward on this cooperative journey, it is essential to sustain the momentum generated during the 70th All India Cooperative Week celebrations. Continued support, innovative policies, and grassroots engagement will be instrumental in ensuring that cooperative principles not only resonate but become ingrained in the socio-economic fabric of the Union Territory. The clarion call of ‘Sahkar se Samridhi’ is more than a slogan; it is a rallying cry for a future where cooperative values lead the way toward inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous communities in Jammu and Kashmir.