Punjab & Haryana Must Support Himachal Like Elder Brothers: CM Sukhu at National Cooperative Meet.
Shimla:
Inka a strong appeal for inter-state cooperation and fairness, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today urged neighbouring states Punjab and Haryana to act as “elder brothers” in resolving long-standing issues affecting Himachal’s interests.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day National Cooperative Conference held in Shimla, CM Sukhu emphasized that Himachal Pradesh has consistently had to fight for its rightful dues, including control of the Shanan hydroelectric project and pending arrears from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
“Punjab and Haryana are our elder brothers, and they should extend support generously to their younger brother,” the Chief Minister asserted, pointing out that despite the expiry of the lease period of the Shanan Project, it has yet to be returned to Himachal. He also highlighted the continued delays in payments from BBMB, in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling.
Launches & Initiatives to Strengthen Rural Economy
The Chief Minister inaugurated the Cyber Security Operations Centre of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank and also launched the bank’s new cooperative anthem and a commemorative souvenir during the event.
Acknowledging the historic roots of the cooperative movement in the state — dating back to 1904 and receiving a major boost after full statehood in 1971 — Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh now boasts over 5,000 cooperative societies, including nearly 2,000 primary agricultural credit societies providing essential services to farmers and rural households.
In a significant policy announcement, CM Sukhu responded positively to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri’s request for relaxations under Section 118 for cooperative societies seeking to purchase land for business purposes. He also urged the State Cooperative Bank to implement a one-time settlement policy to help small farmers, orchardists, and traders clear their debts.
Reform, Resilience & Rural Empowerment
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to clean governance by referencing the dissolution of the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank’s board due to irregularities under the previous regime. “We will not tolerate misuse of public resources,” he declared.
Touching on key developmental achievements, Sukhu stated that Himachal had moved from 21st to 5th position in national education rankings in 2025 and was now aiming for the top spot. The state continues to maintain its distinction as a fully literate region.
In the health sector, he detailed that an investment of Rs. 300 crore was underway to upgrade hospitals with modern equipment, including the introduction of robotic surgery in two major government institutions.
Despite natural disasters causing nearly Rs. 20,000 crore in damages over the past three years, he stressed that the state had not allowed its development pace to falter. He praised local citizens for their compassion during crises, especially during the rescue of 16,000 stranded pilgrims in the Manimahesh Yatra.
Women’s Empowerment & Natural Farming Get a Boost
CM Sukhu also emphasized new initiatives under the ‘Him-Era’ brand, aimed at promoting women’s self-help groups. He announced a historic Rs. 21 per litre hike in milk prices, with MILKFED now collecting 2.5 lakh litres daily, thereby significantly boosting the rural economy.
Natural farming is being supported with assured pricing, and women and youth groups are being linked to forest conservation efforts through incentives, he said.
Central & State Leaders Commend Himachal’s Progress
Union Minister of State for Cooperatives Krishna Pal Gurjar congratulated Himachal for achieving 100% literacy and discussed the Centre’s support for strengthening the cooperative sector under Union Minister Amit Shah. He highlighted the recently launched ‘Sehkaar Taxi Sewa’, which could benefit tourism-driven states like Himachal.
He also suggested connecting Himachali institutions with the new Tribhuvan Sehkari University and assured special fee concessions for students from hill states.
Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri traced the cooperative movement’s origins in Himachal to Panjawar (Una) in 1892, stating that the cooperative banks now hold deposits of nearly Rs. 60,000 crore, underscoring public trust in the system.
National Representation at the Conference
The event saw participation from prominent leaders and cooperative stakeholders including: Dhan Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand’s Cooperative Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Himachal Health Minister, Devender Shyam, Chairman, HP State Cooperative Bank, Mukesh Sharma, Chairman, Jogindra Central Bank, Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman, HP State Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, Yshwant Chhajta, Vice Chairman, HIMUDA, K. Ravindra Rao, Chairman, NAFSCOB and Raman Kumar, Joint Secretary to Government of India
Representatives from across India’s cooperative landscape applauded Himachal’s cooperative achievements and reaffirmed support for strengthening the sector nationwide.
