Haryana to Commemorate 2025 as International Year of Cooperatives With Series of Activities

Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired the 4th Meeting of State Cooperative Development Committee here today. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed officials to identify one such cooperative which can be turned into a model cooperative in the next one year, which would be known for its unique identity and service delivery.

He emphasized that this model cooperative should exemplify innovation, transparency, sustainability, and outstanding service delivery, thereby setting a benchmark for others to follow. The department unveiled a comprehensive year-long plan to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, in alignment with the United Nations’ declaration recognizing the crucial role of cooperatives in advancing sustainable development.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state has constituted the IYC-State Apex Committee (SAC) to coordinate and supervise the series of activities scheduled throughout the year. The celebrations will begin with the formal launch of the IYC-2025 annual calendar, an action plan booklet, and various publicity materials. 

The IYC logo will be prominently featured across government communications, social media platforms, and public displays. Activities will include cleanliness drives, cooperative-themed podcasts, and the implementation of e-office systems in all cooperative departments. The meeting was informed that a wide range of programmes will be organized focusing on themes such as women empowerment, youth engagement, technological innovation, and sustainable farming practices. 

These will include special events, skill development initiatives, national seminars, and grassroots-level campaigns aimed at spreading awareness and strengthening the cooperative movement. The calendar of events also includes a cyclothon, webinars, exhibitions, plantation drives, and knowledge exchange programmes. 

A plantation drive under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ shall also be launched this year. Through these extensive programmes, the Haryana Government aims to strengthen the cooperative spirit, showcase the state’s achievements, and encourage active public participation. 

The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Haryana’s socio-economic development by promoting cooperatives as a model of inclusive and sustainable growth. Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department, Smt. Ashima Brar informed that the department is actively progressing with the computerisation of 710 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Primary Cooperative Credit Societies (PCCS) in the first phase of its digital transformation initiative. 

She stated that all required hardware has been delivered and installed, with internet connectivity now fully established across all 710 PACS. Out of these, 39 PACS have already been designated as functional e-PACS, marking a key milestone in the state’s digital cooperative reform efforts.

She said in line with fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’, the Government of India has decided to allow PACS to operate Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK). There are 793 PACS out of which 772 PACS have fertilizer licence and 747 PACS have been converted as PMKSK in the state. 

To support this transformation, fertilizer companies have provided these Kendras with essential infrastructure, including LED display units, tables, chairs, and branded signboards. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance last-mile service delivery and improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs and advisory services.

Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.