Guwahati: The 4th Cooperative Mela opened on Friday at AEI Ground in Chandmari, Guwahati, with Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar stressing the cultural roots of Assam’s cooperative movement.
The Cooperation Department of the Government of Assam organised the three-day event under the guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. Meanwhile, the Mela will continue from December 13 to 15, 2025. Assam Cooperation Minister Jogen Mohan attended the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering, Gurjar said the cooperative spirit in Assam reflected the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Shankaradev and Mahapurush Madhavdev. According to him, their emphasis on unity, equality and service shaped the foundation of cooperative values in the state.
Moreover, he said the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” had gained momentum under the Prime Minister’s leadership and the Union Minister of Cooperation’s guidance. Gurjar described the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 as a historic reform. As a result, India gained a stronger institutional framework for cooperative growth. He added that the move provided a clear roadmap for a world-class system by 2047.
Notably, Gurjar praised Assam for accelerating reforms under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In addition, he credited Cooperation Minister Jogen Mohan for driving visible progress across the sector.
4th Cooperative Mela reflects Assam’s cooperative reforms
Turning to reforms, Gurjar said Assam had completed 100 percent computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. He noted that over 800 PACS had adopted the new Model Byelaws. Consequently, these changes empowered youth and women while encouraging entrepreneurship.
At the same time, he said the cooperative network strengthened financial inclusion for more than 32 lakh members. Furthermore, Gurjar said Assam aligned closely with the National Cooperative Policy 2025. The policy aims to establish one cooperative in every village by 2026.
Speaking at the 4th Cooperative Mela, Jogen Mohan said the event showcased grassroots empowerment. In particular, he praised cooperative members for achieving self-reliance. He said they converted waste into useful products using local resources. Additionally, he said cooperatives contributed across sectors, including essential goods, women’s self-help groups and youth-led initiatives.
Finally, the Mela features 160 cooperative societies from handloom, fisheries, dairy and agriculture sectors. According to officials, exhibitions, interactions and knowledge-sharing sessions will continue over the next two days to promote cooperation-led development across Assam.
