The Odisha State Cooperative Union (OSCU), under the direction of the Cooperation Department, Government of Odisha, organized the inaugural function marking the 5th Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, at the Cooperative Bhawan premises. The event marks the beginning of a week-long nationwide awareness campaign running from June 29 to July 6, 2026, aimed at strengthening the cooperative movement and enhancing public participation. Key areas of focus for the campaign include strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), honoring farmers, promoting Green Cooperatives through plantation drives, engaging youth and women, and encouraging the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technologies in the cooperative sector.
The inaugural function was officially opened by Shri Pradeep Bal Samanta, Hon’ble Minister for Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Government of Odisha, who unfurled the Cooperative Flag and addressed the gathering. The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government’s Cooperation Department, and Shri Manish Agrawal, IAS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Odisha, who both attended as Guests of Honour. The meeting was presided over by Prabasini Sadangi, President of the Odisha State Cooperative Union.
During his address, the Minister highlighted that the Government of Odisha is actively implementing initiatives to realize the vision of “Prosperity through Cooperation” championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He announced that Agricultural Credit, Dairy, and Fisheries Cooperative Societies are being systematically established across every Gram Panchayat in the state. Furthermore, PACS are being transformed into Multi-Purpose PACS (M-PACS) to diversify their economic and business operations. The Minister also revealed that the Odisha Cooperative Policy–2026 has been successfully formulated, aligning closely with the National Cooperative Policy–2025.
Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil elaborated on the strategic implementation of various schemes under the Cooperation Department, while Shri Manish Agrawal emphasized the steps being taken to make cooperative institutions more sustainable and economically viable. OSCU President Prabasini Sadangi expressed her gratitude to the department leadership for trusting the Union with organizing the launch event.
To mark the occasion, a special issue of “Samabaya Samachar,” published by the OSCU, was formally released by the Minister and accompanying dignitaries. The event was smoothly coordinated by Shri Ranjan Kumar Das, Member of the Board of Management, and Smt. Sunita Pati, Secretary of OSCU. The function drew a large gathering, including Usharani Das, Special Secretary of the Cooperation Department, senior departmental officers, board members of various cooperative institutions, employees, and numerous local cooperators. The programme concluded with an official vote of thanks proposed by Smt. Sunita Pati.
