The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 was inaugurated at Raj Bhavan’s New Abhishek Hall in Bhubaneswar, organised under the aegis of the Odisha State Cooperation Department. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, presiding over the event, emphasised the pivotal role of cooperatives in driving social and economic transformation across the state and nation. He called for dedicated efforts to bolster the cooperative sector, highlighting its contributions to financial inclusion, livelihood creation, and community empowerment.
In his address, the Governor noted that the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 with the theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” This global recognition underscores the sustainable impact of cooperatives in addressing contemporary challenges. Dr. Kambhampati praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary step of establishing a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation, which aims to strengthen grassroots-level cooperatives through streamlined administrative, legal, and policy frameworks. This initiative is expected to enhance the ease of doing business and foster the growth of multi-state cooperative societies.
The Governor emphasised that celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 is not merely a ceremonial event but a recognition of collective strength, democratic ethos, mutual collaboration, and shared prosperity that define the cooperative model. During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Odisha State Marketing Federation and three newly established national cooperative organisations: the National Cooperative Organics Ltd., National Cooperative Exports Ltd., and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Ltd. This MoU is more than a formal agreement; it establishes a robust partnership between grassroots and national-level institutions, promising better marketing opportunities, improved inputs, and enhanced income for farmers, producers, and cooperative members.
Speaking at the event, Odisha’s Cooperation, Textiles, Handlooms, and Handicrafts Minister, Pradeep Bal Samanta, highlighted the state government’s commitment to rural economic growth through cooperatives. He elaborated on initiatives to enhance the management, transparency, and accountability of PACS and LAMPS. Mukesh Kumar, Director of the Union Ministry of Cooperation, spoke on the objectives of the International Cooperative Year, while Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Commissioner and Secretary of Odisha’s Cooperation Department, delivered the welcome address and provided introductory remarks.
The ceremony also honoured outstanding PACS, LAMPS, and cooperatives for their exemplary achievements. The event was attended by the Governor’s Principal Secretary, NBS Rajput, senior officials from various departments, and representatives of cooperative organisations.
