Cooperative sector key to India’s growth: Shah

Ahmedabad

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stressed the need for a strong cooperative system to help India grow. Speaking at the Gujarat State Cooperative Union's Summit in Ahmedabad, he said cooperation plays a big part in the country’s development.

He talked about the “science of cooperation” and “science in cooperation,” saying both ideas are important for the success of cooperatives. Shah added that different cooperative sectors like dairy, housing, banking, and farming must work together for progress.

He said modern technology should reach grassroots workers, especially farmers. If farmers don't benefit directly from new systems, those changes are useless, he explained.

The minister called for more transparency in cooperatives. He said trust is built when everything is open and clear. This openness is vital for the growth of the cooperative model.

Gujarat, he noted, is testing new cooperative ideas. Some cooperatives there are starting to build machines to make dairy products like ice cream and cheese. He said this will help India become more self-reliant.

Shah also said different cooperatives should work with each other. For example, dairy groups should link with cooperative banks, and housing cooperatives should join other cooperative efforts.

In Gandhinagar, Shah launched and started several projects worth over ₹708 crore. These include new roads, health centres, drainage systems, and a sewage plant. He also started work on a road underpass between Sectors 21 and 22.

This event showed the government’s focus on development and improving everyday life through better planning and stronger local support systems.