BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th November 2025: The 72nd All India Cooperative Week 2025 was observed today at the Unakoti Kalakshetra, with a district-level discussion jointly organized by the Cooperative Departments of Unakoti and North Tripura. This year’s theme focused on “Innovative Cooperative Business Models for Global Competition” with the central idea of “Cooperatives as the Vehicle of Self-Reliant India.”
The event was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Social Education and Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy, along with other dignitaries including MLA Yadav Lal Nath, Uttar Tripura Zilla Parishad Chairperson Aparna Nath, Unakoti Zilla Parishad Chairperson Amalendu Das, Kailashahar Municipal Council Chairperson Chapala Debroy, and Unakoti District Magistrate Dr. Tamal Majumder.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Roy emphasized the need for cooperatives to move beyond symbolic celebrations and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
“This is the 72nd time we are meeting like this. We gather, listen to speeches, and return home. But have we truly reflected on the purpose of cooperatives? The government provides financial support and infrastructure every year, but where is our own contribution? After 72 years, how far have we progressed?”
Highlighting examples of successful cooperatives in Rudrasagar, Kumarghat, and Dharmanagar, Roy stressed that self-reliance cannot be achieved merely by slogans.
“Self-Reliant India will not happen just by saying the words. Every cooperative must be strengthened. Only when we advance in production will our cooperatives—and our state—become self-reliant.”
He noted that while Tripura once relied heavily on imports worth Rs 250–300 crore in 2017–18, the state now records exports valued between Rs 200–250 crore.
Roy concluded by underlining the need for accountability in cooperative management, enhanced productivity, and active public participation. He asserted that the dream of a self-reliant India would be realized only when cooperatives evolve into true engines of production and development.
