Guwahati : The 4th Cooperative Mela 2025, organised by the Cooperation Department, Government of Assam, under the guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, was inaugurated on Saturday at AEI Ground, Chandmari, Guwahati. The three-day event, scheduled from December 13 to 15, 2025, aims to highlight the scale, diversity and evolving role of cooperatives in Assam’s socio-economic development.
The Mela was formally inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar, in the presence of Assam Minister for Cooperation, Jogen Mohan, senior officials, cooperative leaders and representatives from across the state.
Cooperative Ethos Rooted in Assam’s Cultural Heritage
Addressing the gathering, Krishan Pal Gurjar said the cooperative movement in Assam reflects the state’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual traditions. He referred to the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Shankaradev and Mahapurush Madhavdev, noting that their emphasis on unity, equality and service forms the philosophical foundation of cooperative principles.
The Union Minister highlighted that the national vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) is gaining momentum under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the strategic direction of the Union Ministry of Cooperation. He described the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 as a landmark reform that has provided institutional clarity and a long-term roadmap for building a modern, globally competitive cooperative ecosystem by 2047.
Assam’s Progress in Cooperative Reforms Highlighted
Gurjar also noted Assam’s progress in implementing key cooperative reforms, attributing it to the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the focused efforts of the state’s Cooperation Department. He said Assam has emerged as a frontrunner in several national initiatives, including the 100 per cent computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
According to the Minister, more than 800 PACS in Assam have adopted the new Model Byelaws, strengthening transparency, governance and service delivery. These reforms have contributed to greater participation of youth and women, promotion of entrepreneurship across sectors, and improved financial inclusion for over 32 lakh cooperative members in the state.
He further stated that Assam is aligned with the objectives of the National Cooperative Policy 2025, including the target of establishing at least one cooperative in every village by 2026, and called for collective efforts to build a self-reliant, cooperative-led development model. Earlier, Assam’s atmanirbhar push got boost at nabard cooperative conclave.
Focus on Grassroots Innovation and Self-Reliance
Speaking at the event, Assam Cooperation Minister Jogen Mohan described the Cooperative Mela as a platform reflecting grassroots empowerment and innovation. He highlighted the role of cooperatives in promoting self-reliance, including initiatives that convert waste into value-added products using locally available resources.
The Minister said cooperative institutions across Assam are contributing to livelihoods in multiple sectors, ranging from the production of essential goods to the growth of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and youth enterprises.
Participation from 160 Cooperative Societies
The 4th Cooperative Mela 2025 features participation from around 160 cooperative societies representing sectors such as handloom, fishery, dairy, agriculture, and youth and women-led enterprises. The event provides a platform for cooperatives to showcase local products, innovations and best practices.
Over the next two days, the Mela will host exhibitions, interactive sessions and knowledge-sharing programmes aimed at strengthening cooperation-driven development and expanding the role of cooperatives in Assam’s economic landscape.
