Sikkim observes International Year of Cooperatives 2025

GANGTOK, (IPR): The International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, was observed at Ashirvad Bhavan, Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. The event was organised by the Department of Cooperation.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur graced the occasion as the chief guest, and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended as the guest of honour. The programme was attended by the minister for Cooperation department, Arun Kumar Upreti, MLA-cum-chairman of DACS, Satish Chandra Rai, chief secretary R. Telang, outgoing secretary of the Cooperation department, Gloria Namchu, secretary of the Cooperation department, Jabi Thapa, and other dignitaries.

In his address, Governor Om Prakash Mathur congratulated all cooperative societies, self-help groups (SHGs), and the Cooperation Department on the occasion. He emphasised Sikkim's potential for growth through cooperatives and stated that a prosperous village forms the cornerstone of a developed India. He mentioned Sikkim’s distinctive yak milk-based dairy product, Chhurpi, and said it has the potential to attract significant demand in both domestic and international markets.

He asserted that stronger marketing strategies are required to promote Sikkim's organic products across wider markets, both within India and abroad.

The Governor also highlighted the importance of greater women’s participation in advancing the cooperative movement and said that everyone has the innate capacity to succeed when provided with the right support and encouragement. He added that the active involvement of farmers would further strengthen the cooperative sector and urged the Cooperation department to promote innovation. He further underlined the need for Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farmer Producer Organisations to take a more active role.

He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, noting that the cooperative movement has opened several avenues for the empowerment of villages, farmers, women, and the underprivileged. He said that cooperatives would pave the way for the empowerment of farmers, women, and SHGs, enabling them to sustain their livelihoods.

He expressed that the cooperative movement is transforming the lives of farmers, workers, women, and youth in the State. He added that to expand the reach of cooperatives, the department must connect every village and farmer. He noted that the Union government has undertaken numerous efforts to explore new areas and expand the cooperative framework. He stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant progress has been achieved in extending the reach of cooperatives to every individual and sector.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay said that since 2019, the government has focused on strengthening the cooperative ecosystem, guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi.”

He informed that all Gram Panchayat Units in Sikkim are now part of the cooperative network, supported by developments in infrastructure, digitisation, capacity building, and market incentives. He added that Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) have been digitised and are now providing e-governance services as Common Service Centres. Two PACS have also launched Jan Aushadhi Kendras to promote affordable healthcare. He said that the government continues to encourage youth and women to form and lead new, innovative cooperatives.

He highlighted the vital role of cooperatives in promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment and mentioned that awards were presented to top-performing cooperatives on Independence Day to recognise excellence.

Cooperation minister Arun Kumar Upreti, briefed the gathering on the significance of IYC 2025. He said that the UN declaration aims to strengthen cooperatives globally with a focus on inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability.

The event also featured a video presentation highlighting the initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation, followed by the launch of a Cooperative Song and Anthem, and the inauguration of an E-Cooperative Gallery dedicated to preserving and showcasing Sikkim’s cooperative legacy for future generations.

The Assam Lingzey Multipurpose Cooperative Society staged a short play based on the State Government’s initiative “Mero Rukh Mero Santati.”

Following the event, the Governor, Chief Minister, Minister for Cooperation department, and other dignitaries participated in a plantation drive at the Raj Bhavan premises as part of “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” and “Mero Rukh Mero Santati.”

During the event, the Tarethang Multipurpose Cooperative Society presented a Sangini dance based on the cooperative theme.