In a significant move towards rural prosperity, Shri Gotam Kumar, the newly appointed Minister of State for Cooperation (Independent Charge), has embarked on a mission to revolutionize the cooperative sector in alignment with the Central Government's Mission Sahakar. His recent assumption of office in Jaipur on January 9th marks the beginning of a new era in cooperative development, promising simplified processes and widespread innovation.
## A New Chapter Begins in Jaipur
The Mantralaya Building of the Government Secretariat witnessed a momentous occasion as Shri Gotam Kumar, after a solemn prayer in his office, officially took charge as the Cooperative Minister. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Mrs. Shreya Guha, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cooperative Department, and Mr. Meghraj Singh Ratnu, Registrar of Cooperatives, who welcomed Shri Kumar with a bouquet. Family members and departmental officials extended their congratulations, heralding a new chapter in cooperative governance.
## Mission Sahakar: A Path to Prosperity
In his first official act, Shri Kumar convened a meeting with departmental officers, laying out his vision for the cooperative sector in the state. He emphasized the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah's Mission Sahakar, a program designed to bring prosperity to the grassroots level. The meeting delved into 17 innovative strategies under this mission, tailored to suit the state's needs.
## Fostering a Cooperative Spirit
Shri Kumar addressed the officials, highlighting the Cooperative Department's extensive reach, impacting one-third of the state's population. He urged officers to maintain a positive and inclusive approach, embodying the cooperative spirit of mutual support and unity. He stressed the importance of preserving the foundational principles of cooperatives while adapting to contemporary challenges.
## Innovations and Member Inclusion
The Minister underscored the need to dispel any negative perceptions about cooperatives and to prevent misunderstandings. He advocated for a progressive mindset, encouraging innovation and timely resolution of complaints. A key focus of his address was the simplification of the process for enrolling new members in Gram Seva Cooperative Societies, ensuring broader participation from eligible individuals.
## Strengthening Infrastructure and Services
Shri Kumar's directives extended to various operational aspects of cooperatives. He called for a time-bound plan to fill administrative vacancies and proposed enhancing cooperative consumer shops to offer goods at competitive prices. His discussion also covered critical areas like banking credit, recruitment in central cooperative banks, farmer procurement processes, and modernization initiatives, including animal feed plants and press facilities.
## Commitment to Efficient Governance
Emphasizing efficient governance, Shri Kumar instructed that complaints related to the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana be resolved within a week. The meeting, attended by key departmental officers including Managing Director Rajfed Shri Sandesh Nayak and Joint Secretary to the Government, Mohd. Abu Bakr, concluded with a collective commitment to transform the cooperative sector into a more dynamic and responsive entity.
Shri Gotam Kumar's leadership marks a promising future for the cooperative movement in the state, aiming to empower rural communities through innovation, inclusivity, and efficient governance.
