Shillong, August 14, 2025 – The Governor of Meghalaya, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, today inaugurated the first-ever exhibition by various co-operative societies at Raj Bhavan, Shillong, highlighting the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of the state’s co-operative sector.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor praised the initiative and noted the impressive variety of stalls set up by participating societies. He observed that several products had already sold out and urged participants to replenish stocks for the second day of the exhibition, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations. The Governor also indicated that the event could become an annual fixture, with a final decision to be taken soon.
Shri Vijayashankar emphasised the importance of the co-operative movement, recalling its role in empowering farmers, workers, and women entrepreneurs, as well as its contribution to Meghalaya’s development even before statehood. He noted the sector’s significant growth—from around 950 co-operative societies in the early 1970s to over 3,300 societies with nearly three lakh members today.
He also pointed to the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives and commended the Government of India for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation under Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. He said co-operatives would be integral to achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, with initiatives such as the Piggery Mission, Milk Mission, and tourism-based co-operatives receiving strong state support.
Describing co-operatives as pillars of rural development, the Governor lauded the Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank (MCAB) for its role in supporting entrepreneurs and government initiatives. He called on all stakeholders to work collectively to further strengthen the movement.
During the programme, the Governor felicitated leaders of prominent co-operative bodies, including the chairpersons of MCAB, MECOFED, MAGHALOOM, Mei Ramew State Agro Ecology Co-operative Society Ltd, and the Assistant General Manager of MBMA. He also toured the exhibition, interacting with society members and learning about their products and initiatives.
