Gangtok, May 3: Sikkim has inaugurated its first rural mart, Hamro Sahakari Bazaar, at Padamchey under East Pendam GPU on Friday. This pioneering initiative aims to support the local economy by offering affordable, quality goods and promoting local products. The mart is fully owned, managed, and operated by the Padamchey Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (MPCS).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Principal Registrar of the Cooperation Department, Jabi Thapa, as the chief guest, and Registrar of the Cooperation Department, Karma Ongmu, as the guest of honour.

During the event, the Padamchey MPCS launched a new product, honey branded as ‘Jaivik Swaad.’ Thapa commended the efforts of the Padamchey MPCS and the District Cooperation Office for establishing the state’s first cooperative mart. She emphasized the importance of cooperatives in economic development and shared that 2025 will be recognized as the International Year of Cooperatives, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly.

Thapa also encouraged the cooperative to ensure inclusive participation from all households in the GPU, stressing that the cooperative sector’s growth depends on collective responsibility. She highlighted the creation of a Ministry of Cooperation to strengthen the cooperative movement in India.

Additional Registrar of the Cooperation Department, Kesang Yanki, spoke about the mart’s role as a one-stop centre to meet local needs and expand Padamchey MPCS’s business. She urged the continuous production of local products and encouraged members to stay informed about departmental initiatives through social media.

Bank Manager SISCO, Ramesh Chettri, provided information on various bank schemes, including the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), which offers benefits to cooperative members. Bishnu Lal Sharma, President of Padamchey MPCS, shared the cooperative society’s journey, highlighting its growth and achievements.

The event also included the presentation of a token of appreciation to Punya Pd Sharma, former manager of Padamchey MPCS, for his contributions. Share certificates were distributed to cooperative members during the ceremony.

The inauguration was attended by panchayat members, Cooperation Department officials from Pakyong and Gangtok, and cooperative members of Padamchey MPCS.