CM Mann Lauds Dhuri’s Cooperative Societies for Historic Loan Recovery, Champions Simpler Lifestyles and Stronger Rural Banking

In a landmark event held to mark the International Year of Cooperation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann extended heartfelt appreciation to the cooperative societies of the Dhuri circle for achieving a rare feat: recovering over 99% of loans — a record that sets them apart from others across the state.

ਧੂਰੀ ਹਲਕੇ ‘ਚ COOPERATIVE BANK ਦੇ ਕਰਜ਼ੇ ਦੀ 99% ਇਤਿਹਾਸਕ ਰਿਕਵਰੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਲਈ ਧੂਰੀ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਤੇ ਮਾਣ-ਸਨਮਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ। ਸੰਗਰੂਰ ਜਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਦੇ ਅਣਖੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਚੰਗੇ ਕੰਮ ‘ਚ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਪਹਿਲ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ‘ਚ ਇਨਕਲਾਬ ਦਾ ਮੁੱਢ ਵੀ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਸੰਗਰੂਰ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਨੇ ਹੀ ਬੰਨ੍ਹਿਆ ਸੀ।
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धूरी हलके में… pic.twitter.com/BsCsEnUizR

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 22, 2025

Celebrating Grassroots Accountability

Speaking to a spirited gathering, CM Mann praised the remarkable work done by these societies, calling it a beacon of hope in a time when loan recovery remains a major challenge elsewhere. “This is not just about numbers; it’s about integrity, trust, and a community that stands together,” said Mann, adding that the societies’ achievement is a reflection of deep-rooted accountability and discipline.

Urges Farmers to Bank Local

Encouraging farmers to place greater trust in local institutions, the Chief Minister urged them to open accounts in cooperative banks. “They charge 3% less interest than commercial banks. Let’s put our money where our faith lies — in our own cooperative banks,” he said, noting that many farmers are misled by misconceptions about cooperative banking.

To enhance these banks further, Mann revealed that seasoned experts from the banking sector are being roped in to streamline operations and instill even more confidence among rural account holders.

A Call for Simplicity Over Showmanship

The CM didn’t hold back from touching a deeply cultural nerve — the pressure to spend lavishly on weddings. “Big, fat weddings are putting our farmers in unnecessary debt. This must stop,” Mann said passionately. He advocated for simpler, more meaningful marriage ceremonies that focus on togetherness rather than extravagance. “Let’s pull our farmers out of this cycle of comparison and debt,” he added.

Promoting Smart Farming Practices

In a forward-looking approach, CM Mann encouraged farmers to adopt cost-saving practices such as renting farm equipment through cooperative societies, which receive generous subsidies from the state. “This isn’t just about saving money. It’s about making agriculture viable and profitable,” he said.

Empowering Girls Through Education

In an uplifting addition, the CM celebrated the achievements of girls who have excelled in recent examinations. He credited their success to both their hard work and the state government’s focused efforts in improving education infrastructure, particularly for girls. “They are not just topping results; they are inspiring a generation,” Mann remarked.

On Protecting Punjab’s Rights and Resources

Rounding out his address with a powerful assertion of Punjab’s spirit, Mann declared that just as Punjabis have safeguarded the nation’s borders, they are equally committed to protecting the state’s water. Referring to the recent standoff over water diversion, he lauded the people of Punjab for standing firm for 20 days and ensuring not a drop was lost. “For too long, our waters were misused, our rights ignored. But not anymore,” he stated firmly.

As the state pushes forward on the road to cooperative empowerment, rural banking reform, educational upliftment, and social responsibility, Bhagwant Mann’s address at Dhuri served as a compelling call to action — one rooted in community, clarity, and courage.

With dignitaries like Registrar Cooperative Societies Vimal Setia present, the day became a celebration of collective strength — a day when Dhuri didn’t just talk of change, it showcased it.