72nd All India Cooperative Week Celebration Held in Gangtok
Gangtok, November 14 (IPR): The Cooperation Department, Government of Sikkim, observed the 72nd All India Cooperative Week at Community Hall, Deorali, with Minister, Cooperation Department, Mr Arun Upreti, gracing the celebration as the Chief Guest.
The programme commenced at the Sahakari Bhawan Complex, Tadong, where the Chief Guest hoisted the Cooperative Flag. This was followed by a rally from Tadong to the Community Hall, Deorali, joined by Secretary, Cooperation Department, Ms Jabi Thapa, along with Advisor, Chairperson and OSD of the Department, reaffirming collective support for the cooperative movement.
In his address, Minister, Mr Arun Upreti, stressed the vision of Atmanirbhar Sahakari Andolan, calling for a societal shift towards cooperative-led development.He highlighted the farsighted leadership of Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, under whose guidance cooperatives across farming, dairy, skill development, and rural–urban sectors have been revitalised. He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperatives in every district through dedicated Cooperative Bhawans that provide training platforms, schemes, and grassroots interventions. He also emphasised the crucial role of youth and women in shaping the future of cooperatives.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor, Cooperation Department, Mr Shyam Pradhan, underlined the importance of unity, cooperation, and the challenges faced by farmers and cooperative societies.
Chairperson, Cooperation Department, Ms Bidya Bishwakarma, highlighted the nationwide resurgence of the cooperative sector under the leadership of the Prime Minister. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the development in the sector and to Union Home Minister, Mr Amit Shah for boosting cooperative initiatives.
Secretary, Cooperation Department, Ms Jabi Thapa, outlined the progress of the Department, achievements under E-Pax, and thanked the State Government for continuous support through schemes, subsidies, and grants benefiting MPCS and the Department. She also informed that the wrap-up programme for the International Year of Cooperatives will be held soon, and acknowledged the support and guidance of the Minister. She added that SICUN is also celebrating Cooperative Week in other districts.
Also present were Advisor, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers Union, Mr Purna Hang Subba;Chairman, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers Union, Mr Yam Kumar Sharma;Vice Chairman, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers Union, Mr Dewan Rai;Chairman, Sikkim State Cooperative Bank Ltd., Mr D T Kaleon;Advisor, SIMFED, Mr Anand Lama;Chairperson, Sikkim Consumer Cooperative Society, Ms Shanti Limbu;Secretary, Fisheries Department, Ms Roshni Rai;OSD, Cooperation Department, Mr Stephen Raj Karki;officers and officials from the Cooperation Department.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Regional Awards for Cooperative Excellence and Merit to ten cooperative societies across various categories, recognising outstanding contributions to strengthening cooperative values and community development. The Denzong Awards for winners of the Inter Senior Secondary School Essay Competition conducted by Agriculture Cooperative Society Limited under the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 were also presented by the Chief Guest.
The welcome address was delivered by Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Ms Karma Ongmu.
The celebration featured cultural performances, a self-composed song by officials of the Cooperation Department, Gangtok District, experience-sharing by cooperative societies, and active participation from stakeholders across the State, including three Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies.
An awareness talk on Nasha Mukti Sikkim Abhiyan was delivered by Additional Director, Social Welfare Department, Mr Mahesh Sharma, followed by a pledge administered by the Chief Guest in support of the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyan.