Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah attend the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were present at the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress held in the national capital. The event, scheduled for July 1 and 2, 2023, aimed to discuss the cooperative movement's progress, share best practices, address challenges, and set future policy directions. During the congress, PM Modi emphasized his government's commitment to strengthening the cooperative ecosystem and announced the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation.

PM Modi addressed the attendees, highlighting the government's substantial financial support for agriculture and farmers. He mentioned that approximately Rs 6.5 lakh crore per year is allocated to the sector, indicating that every farmer receives an average of Rs 50,000 annually in various forms. PM Modi assured the people that under the BJP government, farmers are guaranteed to receive this amount each year. He also highlighted the success of the PM-KISAN scheme, which has facilitated direct transfers of Rs 2.5 lakh crore to farmers' bank accounts in the past four years alone.

"This means that every year the government is providing an average of Rs 50,000 to every farmer in some form or the other. "That is, in the BJP government, farmers are guaranteed to get Rs 50,000 every year in different ways. This is Modi's guarantee," he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized the government's focus on digitalization, stating that the aim is to ensure direct benefit transfers and reduce dependence on cash transactions. He celebrated India's global recognition in digital transactions and encouraged incorporating these practices into the cooperative sector.

PM Modi also acknowledged the rising demand for Indian produce in the international market, particularly highlighting the potential for millet and dairy products. He expressed confidence in the "Shree Anna" initiative, which can serve as a great opportunity for small farmers to earn a livelihood. Additionally, he commended the growth of the fisheries sector, mentioning that more than 25,000 cooperative sectors are actively contributing to the well-being and income of fishermen. Inland fisheries, in particular, have witnessed a twofold growth over the past nine years.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his speech at the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress, acknowledged the long-standing demand of cooperative workers to establish a separate Ministry of Cooperation. He credited PM Modi for fulfilling this demand by creating the ministry after his re-election in 2019.

In conclusion, the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress brought together key government figures and stakeholders to discuss the cooperative movement's progress and future directions. PM Modi's address highlighted the government's initiatives to support farmers, promote digital transactions, and tap into the potential of Indian produce in the global market. With the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation, there is renewed focus on strengthening and expanding the cooperative ecosystem in India.

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