History etched as Uttarakhand reserves 33% seats for women in cooperative societies

Dehradun: The government of Uttarakhand, the first state in India to do so, has authorised a ground-breaking 33% reservation for women in cooperative societies. The purpose of this decision is to encourage women's involvement in the cooperative sector and to empower them.

The State Cooperative Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat's proposal to reserve 33% of seats for women in cooperative banks and societies has been approved by the Pushkar Singh Dhami cabinet.

Speaking to TNIE, Dr Rawat said, "This decision will prove to be a milestone in the direction of women's empowerment.”

District cooperative banks, multipurpose cooperative societies, and state-level cooperative societies are only a few of the cooperative organisations to which the ruling will be applicable. This will guarantee that women make up 33% of the representation in these societies, advancing women's leadership and empowerment, the New Indian Express reported.

"With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of 'Prosperity through Cooperatives,' we have ensured 33% participation of women in cooperative societies. Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to do so," said Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat.

Minister Dr Rawat said, "The Uttarakhand government's decision is expected to encourage women's participation in the cooperative sector and promote their leadership, setting an example for other states to follow".

This move serves to end the monopoly of men in cooperative societies.