Amit Shah Marks 4 Years of Ministry of Cooperation, Launches Major Dairy and Salt Sector Initiatives in Anand

• Amit Shah: Cooperation is not just a system, it is the soul of India’s economic empowerment
• Bhupendra Patel: Gujarat’s cooperative model is a beacon for the nation’s inclusive growth
• BILKULONLINE
• By Rafat Quadri

Anand (Gujarat), July 6: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, addressing a grand program in Anand, Gujarat, commemorated four years of the Ministry of Cooperation and celebrated the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event witnessed the unveiling of landmark projects and cooperative initiatives aimed at empowering millions through the cooperative movement.

Cooperation: A Tradition Given Legislative Power

Amit Shah emphasized that cooperation has been a part of Indian society since the Vedic period. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave this tradition a legislative form and established the Ministry of Cooperation four years ago,” said Shah, noting that over 8.4 lakh cooperative societies connecting 31 crore citizens have been revitalized under this ministry.

60 Initiatives Under the 5Ps Vision

The Minister Amit Shah highlighted over 60 initiatives rolled out over the last four years, structured around the 5Ps: People, PACS, Platform, Policy, and Prosperity:

• People – Making every citizen the beneficiary of cooperative growth
• PACS – Strengthening over 2 lakh Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
• Platform – Creating digital and national platforms for cooperatives
• Policy – Ensuring maximum benefit to cooperative members
• Prosperity – Promoting community-wide economic upliftment, particularly for over 56 lakh working women whose contribution has led to a turnover of ₹80,000 crore, set to cross ₹1 lakh crore next year

Empowering Dairy Sector Through Landmark Projects

Shah virtually launched several major dairy sector projects:

Sardar Patel Cooperative Dairy Federation Ltd – A new multi-state cooperative body launched with a vision to bring a complete cycle of fair milk procurement, price compensation, and circular economy.

Amul Cheese Plant Expansion, Khatraj – Inaugurated at a cost of ₹260 crore, enhancing production of mozzarella and processed cheese, UHT milk, and introducing smart warehousing.

Amul Chocolate Plant Expansion, Mogar – Capacity doubled from 30 to 60 tonnes per day with a ₹105 crore investment.

National Cooperative Infrastructure Strengthened

At the NDDB complex in Anand:

New NCDFI Building – Maniben Patel Bhawan was inaugurated at a cost of ₹32 crore.

Ready-to-Use Culture (RUC) Plant by NDDB launched at a cost of ₹45 crore to promote indigenous dairy culture production.

Foundation stone laid for the new NDDB Headquarters Building.

Promoting Salt Sector and New Cooperative University

Shah also launched:

Kutch District Salt Cooperative Society – Aimed at empowering salt-producing laborers, on the lines of the Amul model.

Tribhuvan Sahkari University – Recently established to promote academic excellence in cooperative studies, named after Tribhuvandas Patel, pioneer of India’s dairy cooperative revolution.

Vision for Transparent, Tech-Enabled Cooperatives

• In the International Year of Cooperatives, Amit Shah stressed the need to embed three values across cooperative institutions:
• Transparency – Key to long-term cooperative survival
• Technology adoption – Essential for competitiveness
• Member-centric approach – Keeping cooperative members at the core of every decision
• “Only those cooperatives that prioritize transparency, technology, and member interest can thrive,” said Shah, urging leaders to implement this culture across every district in India.

Tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee

Paying tribute on the birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, Shah hailed him as a visionary who contributed to national unity and inspired many through his sacrifice for Kashmir and West Bengal.

Cooperation is India’s Engine for Inclusive Growth

Shah concluded by asserting that cooperation is not just for individuals but for entire communities—especially the poor, farmers, and laborers. With massive cooperative investments, a future where India becomes self-sufficient in dairy, salt, and agri-products is on the horizon.

Earlier in his speech, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel lauded the state’s robust cooperative ecosystem, calling it a model for inclusive and sustainable development. He emphasized that Gujarat’s success story in dairy and agri-cooperatives serves as an inspiration for the entire nation.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah was joined at the event by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying SP Singh Baghel, and Union Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani. Their presence highlighted the collective commitment of the central and state leadership towards strengthening India’s cooperative movement.

(Rafat Quadri can be contacted at editorbilkul@gmail.com)

 

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