New Delhi: On September 22, 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the annual meeting of seven district-level cooperative societies, including the Rajkot District Cooperative Bank Limited, in Rajkot, Gujarat. The event was also graced by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Mansukh Mandaviya and several dignitaries.
Strengthening the Cooperative Movement Across India
Shri Amit Shah highlighted the historic establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, emphasizing how this has empowered millions of farmers, livestock farmers, and fishermen nationwide by enabling direct deposit of their hard-earned profits into bank accounts. He stressed that the hallmark of any cooperative is to serve farmers rather than capitalists, pointing to Rajkot’s cooperative sector as a model example for the nation with a remarkable 12% growth in recent years after decades of decline.
Rajkot Cooperative Bank: A Century of Stability and Strength
Shri Shah underscored the successes of Rajkot District Cooperative Bank, which has received multiple NABARD awards, maintained extraordinary financial health with net NPAs under 1%, and provided affordable loans, sometimes at interest rates below zero percent. The bank’s legacy is attributed to the dedication of its farmers and leadership, including founders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and visionary leaders such as Vithalbhai Radadiya, whose statues were unveiled during the event.
Catalyst Initiatives and Policy Reforms
The Minister referenced over 60 initiatives undertaken in the last three years for cooperative sector revival, including the computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), warehouse construction, water conservation projects, and dairy cooperative expansions. A pilot project in Banaskantha and Panchmahal providing loans to cooperatives exclusively through district and state cooperative banks is being expanded across Gujarat, promoting financial discipline and ease.
Promoting Organic Farming and GST Reforms for Farmers: Union Home Minister
Shri Amit Shah urged farmers, especially in Saurashtra, to adopt organic farming practices that reduce chemical inputs, improve health, and yield greater profits. The government is facilitating mechanisms like ‘Bharat Organic’ to procure, market, and return full profits to organic farmers. Furthermore, GST rates on farming equipment, food products, automobiles, and daily essentials have been reduced from 18% to 5%, deemed a significant ‘gift’ during the auspicious Navratri and Diwali festivals.
Conclusion
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Rajkot address highlighted how the cooperative movement, under progressive policy leadership, is set to accelerate rural development, empower farmers, and contribute decisively to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The event reinforced cooperation as a pillar of India’s agrarian and economic future.
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Source: PIB
