Maharashtra’s Co-Operative Sector Lauded For Its Legacy And Role In State Progress
Minister Pankaj Bhoyar Highlights 60% Share In National Cooperative Economy At 26th Annual Awards
Mumbai, July 23 – Maharashtra’s vast cooperative sector was celebrated as a cornerstone of the state’s progress at the 26th Annual Awards Ceremony hosted by the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Association at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Minister of State for Cooperation Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar declared that Maharashtra alone contributes 60% of the country’s cooperative movement, marking it a leader in both economic and social cooperative development.
The awards function recognized excellence across various cooperative banks and executives, especially in the context of the International Year of Cooperatives. Dr. Bhoyar emphasized the importance of recognising directors and CEOs who have shown exemplary leadership.
“The cooperative movement in Maharashtra has deeply impacted agriculture, sugar industry, and farmer upliftment,” said Dr. Bhoyar. He praised the work of institutions that have not only improved the rural economy but also initiated projects like farm buildings and educational efforts for farmers’ children. “When good work is appreciated, it encourages more social impact,” he added, crediting national leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah for strengthening the sector.
Awards That Celebrated Excellence in Every Tier
Among the prestigious awards conferred were:
- Vishnu Anna Patil Lifetime Achievement Award
- Sushiladevi Deshmukh Memorial Women’s Award
- Bhausaheb Ghuikhedkar Young Cooperative Leader Award
- Vaikunthbhai Mehta Award for Best District Central Cooperative Bank
- Rajmata Jijau Award for Best Women’s Cooperative Bank
- Rajaram Bapu Patil Award for Multi-State Urban Co-op Bank
- Vasantdada Patil Award for Outstanding Urban Cooperative Bank
Awards were also given based on deposit tiers: from under ₹100 crore to over ₹1500 crore. Additionally, recognitions included:
- Outstanding Employee Awards
- Best Urban Salary Earner’s Co-op Bank
- Shatkotar Vatachal Special Honour
Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi, Konkan Divisional Commissioner, also addressed the gathering, commending the grassroots impact of the awardees.
The event reaffirmed Maharashtra’s leadership in the cooperative landscape and underscored the role of recognition in nurturing efficient, transparent cooperative systems.