Himachal to Modernize Cooperative Sector with New Reforms, 900 posts to be filled

The Himachal Pradesh government has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at revitalizing the cooperative sector, including amending the Cooperative Act of 1972, filling 900 vacant posts, and computerizing 1,789 cooperative societies. These measures were announced during the first state-level cooperative conference held at the Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute in Mashobra, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.

Deputy CM Agnihotri stressed the importance of a revamped legal framework to ensure better governance and accountability in the cooperative sector. He assured that the proposed amendments would be finalized through comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders before being introduced in the state assembly. “These changes are essential to address systemic issues and modernize the cooperative sector,” he said.

As part of the reforms, the state government has committed to filling 900 vacant posts in the cooperative department, ensuring that the sector is adequately staffed to handle its responsibilities. Additionally, budgetary allocations have been made to computerize 1,789 cooperative societies, a move expected to improve their operational efficiency and transparency.

Registrar of Cooperative Societies R.K. Pruthi invited suggestions for the proposed amendments, encouraging stakeholders to email their inputs to registrarecooperativehp@gmail.com within 15 days. He also highlighted the need for timely audits, noting that many societies fail to meet the September 30 deadline. Under the proposed amendments, the Assistant Registrar will be empowered to appoint auditors if societies fail to do so. Furthermore, cooperative societies have been directed to conduct general house meetings by March 31, 2025, and appoint auditors by April 15, 2025.

These reforms are part of the government’s broader effort to modernize the cooperative movement in Himachal Pradesh. The emphasis on technology, stricter regulations, and improved governance is expected to enhance trust, transparency, and efficiency in the sector, paving the way for its long-term growth and sustainability.