28-04-2025
Cooperative movement in Kolhapur will be enriched with the support of Sahakar Darbar: Prakash Abitkar
Kolhapur: Support will be provided through the 'Sahakar Darbar' initiative to make
cooperative organisations
and movements in the district more capable, self-sufficient, and effective, said guardian minister
Prakash Abitkar
. The state's first Sahakar Darbar was organised in Kolhapur on Monday under the govt's 100-day action programme, coinciding with the International Year of Cooperation.
At the event, held at the Maharani Tarabai Auditorium, a total of 173 complaint applications related to cooperatives were received — 110 submitted online and 63 submitted in person.
Divisional joint registrar Dr Mahesh Kadam, additional district collector Sanjay Shinde, in-charge superintendent of police Nikesh Khatmode-Patil, regional joint director of Cooperative Societies Kolhapur Gopal Mavale, district deputy registrar Nilkanth Kare, along with all district and taluka-level cooperative officers and applicants, were present.
Speaking at the event, Abitkar said, "In an agricultural country like India, the role of the cooperative movement is very important. This movement has the power to bring about economic, social, and industrial progress by organising various elements like farmers, artisans, small entrepreneurs, women's self-help groups, cooperative banks, and milk unions. To make this movement effective and develop it in a prosperous direction, the Sahakar Darbar will be an important medium. A similar initiative will be taken up at the state level in the coming days."
Abitkar emphasized that timely resolution of people's issues would strengthen cooperative societies, making them more transparent and efficient, increasing member participation, and building greater trust.
"The cooperative movement is not only a means of economic progress but also a symbol of collective leadership, democratic values, and the unity of the social elements. The support received by such a movement through initiatives like Sahakar Darbar is its basic strength," he added.
Abitkar also appealed to the police department during the meeting to take an active role in breaking financial exploitation by cracking down on private money lenders.
