Governor Inaugurates Co-operative Societies Exhibition at Raj Bhavan, Shillong

Shillong, August 14 : The Governor of Meghalaya, C.H Vijayashankar, today inaugurated an exhibition by various co-operative societies at Raj Bhavan, Shillong. This marks the first time such an event has been hosted within the Raj Bhavan premises, aimed at showcasing the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of the state’s co-operative sector.

In his address, Governor  C.H Vijayashankar expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting the wide range of stalls presented by the co-operative societies. He remarked that this is the first time so many stalls have been set up at Raj Bhavan, and emphasized the importance of continuing such activities to encourage local entrepreneurship. He observed that some of the products displayed had already sold out, and requested the participants to replenish their stocks for the following day, August 15 2025. The Governor added that there is strong consideration for making this exhibition an annual event, with a decision expected to be taken soon.

Highlighting the significance of the co-operative movement, the Governor mentioned that the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives. He thanked all stakeholders and leaders involved in strengthening the sector and stated that cooperation, resource-sharing, and community support are essential for building a stronger, more resilient future.

Reflecting on the history of the co-operative movement, Vijayashankar noted that it began years ago with the goal of empowering farmers, workers, and particularly women entrepreneurs, while also educating them on financial management. He said that co-operative societies have been part of the state’s development even before Meghalaya achieved statehood. From around 950 co-operative societies in the early 1970s, the state now has over 3,300 societies with nearly three lakh members.

He further acknowledged the Government of India’s role in promoting the co-operative sector, particularly through the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He emphasized that co-operatives will play a key role in achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. In Meghalaya, initiatives such as the Piggery Mission, Milk Mission, and tourism-based co-operatives are actively supported by the state government to further strengthen the movement.

Describing co-operatives as pillars of rural development, the Governor praised the Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank (MCAB) for its leadership in supporting local entrepreneurs and government-backed initiatives. He called upon all stakeholders to work together to further empower these institutions for the benefit of the people.

On the occasion, the Governor felicitated leaders from prominent co-operative institutions, including the chairpersons of MCAB, MECOFED, MAGHALOOM, Mei Ramew State Agro Ecology Co-operative Society Ltd, and the Assistant General Manager of MBMA. He also visited the stalls set up at the exhibition, interacting with members of the co-operative societies and learning about their products and initiatives.