Strengthen cooperative sector without political interference: Minister K N Rajanna

'We must build a stronger cooperative revolution free from political, religious, and caste-based influences. The cooperative sector should prioritise rural development, especially focusing on women’s empowerment,' he said.

Mangaluru: Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna emphasised the need to transform the cooperative movement into a people’s movement and to strengthen the sector without political interference.

Speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Navodaya Grama Vikasa Charitable Trust and Navodaya Self-Help Groups on Saturday, he said, "We must build a stronger cooperative revolution free from political, religious, and caste-based influences. The cooperative sector should prioritise rural development, especially focusing on women’s empowerment. All cooperatives should strive to uplift rural communities by adhering to core cooperative principles."

District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, addressing the gathering, expressed pride at the large participation of women in the event. “Women’s empowerment plays a crucial role in transforming society. Strengthening the position of women and helping them lead lives of dignity is a noble mission. Women are the strength of this nation. Unfortunately, their potential remained untapped in the past as they were confined to household boundaries. Many social reformers in India fought for women’s education and empowerment,” he said.

He added that the Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to women in every sphere of life. The Panchayat Raj system, through reservations, has ensured women's participation in grassroots governance.

“Social justice, harmony, and brotherhood are essential for the nation's progress. Let us work together to make Dakshina Kannada a model district for the entire country,” he said.

Minister for Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar stated that the state government is committed to ensuring a life of dignity and self-respect for every citizen. “A sum of Rs 28,000 crore has been earmarked for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which provides Rs 2,000 each to women who are heads of their households,” she said.

Rs 3 crore for Armed Forces Welfare

SCDCC Bank Chairman and Navodaya Grama Vikasa Charitable Trust Founder M N Rajendra Kumar announced a contribution of Rs 3 crore to the Indian Armed Forces, at a time when the nation is facing tension along the India-Pakistan border.

The amount, raised through the Navodaya Grama Vikasa Charitable Trust and various other sources, will be directed towards the welfare of soldiers who protect the nation. All attendees observed a minute of silence as a mark of respect for the tireless efforts of the armed forces. He also noted that Navodaya Self-Help Groups currently operate in nine districts across the state, with plans to expand into two or three more districts in the near future.