Sikkim launches Sikkim State Cooperative Policy 2026

PAKYONG,  (IPR): The launch of the Sikkim State Cooperative Policy 2026, organised by the Cooperation Department, Government of Sikkim, was held at the Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN) on Thursday.

The event was graced by Minister for Rural Development Department (RDD), Cooperation department and Panchayati Raj, Arun Kumar Upreti, who attended as the chief guest.

The programme also had the presence of chairperson, Cooperation department, Bidya Biswakarma; advisor, Cooperation department, Shyam Pradhan; along with registrars, additional registrars from Cooperation department, managing directors from apex bodies and officials from Cooperation department.

In his address, Minister Arun Kumar Upreti highlighted that the launch of the State Cooperative Policy acts as a milestone towards a progressive socio-economic framework of the state.

He highlighted that the policy focuses on improving governance, ensuring financial sustainability and promoting professionalism within the cooperative institutions, adding that the policy will also focus on capacity building, transparency, adoption of modern technology and enhanced participation of members at all levels. He then stated that these measures will transform cooperatives into a self-reliant, community empowerment and strengthen the grassroot democracy while contributing to the state’s economy.

Underscoring the importance of evolution in the cooperative sector, he stressed the need for institutions to become strong, transparent and people-centric to drive inclusive growth.

PRCS-cum-secretary, Cooperation department, Jabi Thapa, stated that following the Government of India’s introduction on the National Cooperation Policy, the department was successful in preparing its State Cooperation Policy within a short period of time, further emphasising that the policy is not merely a document but a framework aimed at achieving the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi”, while contributing to Viksit Bharat @2047. In addition, she added that collective efforts under the new policy will usher a new phase of growth in the cooperative sector in the State.

Additionally, joint registrar, Cooperation department, Rohit Rasaily delivered a presentation on the Sikkim State Cooperative Policy 2026, highlighting on the role of cooperatives in the rural economy and informing that policy focuses on building strong, adaptable and community-oriented institutions that can deliver real benefits to people. He added that the policy is structured under 19 objectives grouped under six key pillars, targeting areas such as governance, capacity building, performance and institutional strengthening.

Additionally, he informed that the policy is to promote modern, inclusive & professionally managed cooperatives driving sustainable development with the mission to strengthen governance, capacity & technology for self-reliant cooperatives, further adding that the policy is developed through a detailed and consultative process and is aligned with the national framework while addressing state-specific needs and aspirations.

The event also featured the launch of the Sikkim State Cooperative Policy 2026, a departmental magazine on the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and the monthly digital e-newsletter of the Cooperation Department.

During the programme, a demonstration of the Primary Cooperative Societies Inspection App (CORE), developed by the District Cooperative Office, Gyalshing District was also showcased which highlighted the application’s features and its role in enhancing accurate and efficient cooperative data management.

Following that, the Cooperative theme song composed and produced by the Cooperation department, Gangtok District was released.