Uttarakhand Pioneers 33 Per Cent Reservation For Women In Cooperative Societies

In a landmark decision, the Uttarakhand government has become the first in India to approve a 33 per cent reservation for women in cooperative societies.

Pushkar Singh Dhami cabinet has endorsed the proposal by State Cooperative Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat to allocate 33 per cent of seats to women in cooperative banks and societies.

“This decision will be a milestone in the direction of women's empowerment,” Dr Rawat stated as per a report by The New Indian Express.

The new policy will be implemented across various cooperative societies, including district cooperative banks, multi-purpose cooperative societies, and state-level cooperative societies.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Prosperity through Cooperatives,' Dr Rawat emphasised, “We have ensured 33 per cent participation of women in cooperative societies. Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to take this step.”

Dr Rawat further stated, "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 progressive move is anticipated to disrupt the male dominance in cooperative societies, paving the way for greater gender equality and women's leadership in the sector.