In a landmark decision, the Uttarakhand government has become the first state in India to approve a 33% reservation for women in cooperative societies. The Indian Cooperative was one of the first media houses to have broken this news well in advance (https://www.indiancooperative.com/co-op-news-snippets/dhami-for-33-reservation-for-women-in-co-ops/)
This historic move, aimed at empowering women and boosting their participation in the cooperative sector, was spearheaded by State Cooperative Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat. The state cabinet sanctioned the proposal, which seeks to enhance female representation in cooperative banks and societies across the state.
The new policy mandates that 33% of seats in management roles, including committee memberships and chairperson positions, be reserved for women.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to women’s empowerment, reinforcing a series of ongoing schemes designed to promote self-reliance among women.
The decision will be implemented across various cooperative societies, encompassing district cooperative banks, multi-purpose cooperative societies, and state-level cooperative entities. By ensuring a significant female presence in these organizations, the Uttarakhand government aims to foster women’s leadership and break the traditional male dominance in these sectors.
Dr. Rawat emphasized the alignment of this initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Prosperity through Cooperatives.”
He noted, “With this decision, we are setting a precedent for other states to follow, ensuring women’s active participation and leadership in the cooperative sector.”
This policy is expected to not only encourage greater involvement of women in cooperative activities but also to inspire similar measures nationwide.
By promoting gender inclusivity in cooperative societies, Uttarakhand is paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive economic landscape.