National Convention of Urban Co-operative Banks : CM Bhajanlal Sharma Stresses Self-Reliance Through Cooperation

Jaipur, Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that cooperatives are the gateway to making both the nation and the state self-reliant and empowered. He emphasized that the Rajasthan government is committed to connecting every citizen with the cooperative movement to bring a significant change in their living standards. He added that efforts are underway to establish Gram Seva Sahakari Samitis (GSS) in every panchayat, which will ensure easy access to seeds and fertilizers for farmers.

Addressing the National Convention of Urban Co-operative Banks at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur, organized jointly by Sahakar Bharati and the Cooperation Department, the Chief Minister highlighted the role of urban co-operative banks. He said these banks deeply understand the needs of local communities and have played a key role in providing easy credit to small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, artisans, and middle-class families. Today, Rajasthan has 236 branches of urban co-operative banks, with more than 450,000 members.

Sharma praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that India’s cooperative sector is witnessing a “golden era.” The establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 and recent initiatives under Union Minister Amit Shah, including the launch of the country’s first National Cooperative Policy, have strengthened the sector. Over 100 reforms have been introduced in primary agricultural societies, dairy, fisheries, cooperative banks, sugar cooperatives, and governance systems.

He criticized the previous government for neglecting cooperatives, citing issues such as farmers not receiving seeds or funds on time and the alarming levels of NPAs in cooperative banks. He noted that today, NPAs have reduced, services have improved with technology, and transparency has been ensured through strict anti-corruption measures.

The Chief Minister also informed that the state government has disbursed interest-free short-term crop loans worth over ₹42,394 crore and distributed crop loans worth about ₹404 crore through cooperative banks. He said initiatives like decentralized grain storage under PACS, warehouses, processing units, and custom hiring centers are boosting rural development.

Minister of State for Cooperation Gautam Kumar said Rajasthan is emerging as a leading state in cooperative innovations. RBI Director Satish Marathe underlined that urban co-operative banks are vital for financial inclusion, supporting small traders, entrepreneurs, and middle-class families.

During the event, CM Sharma released a guidebook published by Sahakar Bharati and launched a membership drive app.

On the same occasion, he also highlighted the passage of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025, stating that it will effectively curb forced conversions and “love jihad.” He warned that gangs involved in illegal conversions, especially in tribal areas, will face strict action and imprisonment.