A new era of grassroots economic empowerment is on the horizon in Odisha, with the state government confirming the launch of a New Cooperative Policy by January 31, 2026.
State Cooperative Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta shared the roadmap upon returning from a strategic meeting in Delhi with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
“Our goal is not profit, but service,” emphasized Minister Samant, outlining a transformation aimed at decentralizing essential services across rural Odisha.
Under the new policy:
- A Cooperative Society will be established in every Panchayat.
- These societies will host multiple businesses, including:
- LPG gas distribution
- Medical shops
- Petrol pumps
- Jan Seva Kendras
- Dairy farms and milk distribution
- Additionally, banks will be set up in every Panchayat, making financial services accessible to all.
- The thrust will be on locally available services, eliminating the need to travel far for basic needs.
The government envisions these cooperatives as engines of rural development, designed to bring healthcare, energy, agriculture, and finance closer to the doorstep of every citizen.
This policy is projected not only to improve the quality of life but also to generate local employment and strengthen community participation through cooperative governance.
“Through this initiative, Odisha will witness a grassroots-level revolution in cooperative service delivery,” added Samant.
