A leader is defined by vision, commitment, and the ability to transform ideas into impactful action. Manju Rajpal, a 2000-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, has exemplified these qualities as she steps into her new role as the Principal Secretary of the Cooperation Department and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Rajasthan. Her tenure is set to be marked by a steadfast dedication to strengthening the cooperative sector, an area that touches the lives of countless farmers and rural communities across the state.
Right from the outset, Rajpal recognized the critical role of the Cooperative Department, which operates as a lifeline for villages and rural enterprises. Her focus is clear, leveraging the vast cooperative network to maximize the benefits for farmers, streamline operations, and ensure the effective execution of welfare schemes. With a career spanning key administrative roles, including Commissioner of the Jaipur Development Authority, Secretary of the Rural Development Department, and Collector in various districts, she brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to governance.
One of her primary objectives is to align Rajasthan’s cooperative landscape with national initiatives. She is set to play a pivotal role in advancing programs led by the Union Ministry of Cooperation, particularly in the modernization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Under her leadership, the department is set to witness a transformative shift, bringing digital solutions to the forefront to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.
A Pledge for Efficiency and Excellence
In a recent meeting, Rajpal underscored the importance of efficiency in governance. She urged all officers and employees to take a pledge that 2025 will be a year of swift action and responsiveness. Letters, queries, and directives from the state government, Lokayukta, and Legislative Assembly will now be addressed with minimal delay, positioning the Cooperative Department as a model of administrative excellence.
She introduced a structured work ethic, encouraging weekly work plans, daily monitoring of pending cases, and a systematic division of responsibilities. This structured approach ensures uninterrupted functioning, even in the absence of key personnel, fostering a culture of accountability and consistency.
Coordination stands as another pillar of her leadership. By establishing robust channels of communication with institutions and relevant offices, she envisions a time-bound and result-oriented mechanism for addressing policy directives. She also emphasized the importance of drafting concise office notes, ensuring that decision-making at higher levels remains streamlined and effective.
A Collective Responsibility Towards Progress
Rajpal’s vision is deeply rooted in collaboration. She believes that every member of the Cooperative Department plays a crucial role in executing the state’s welfare initiatives. A department’s performance directly impacts the successful implementation of government schemes, and she calls upon her team to function as a united force, delivering quality work that translates into real benefits for the public.
Her commitment is echoed in the broader vision of the Rajasthan government, as articulated by Minister of State for Cooperation (Independent Charge) Shri Gautam Kumar Dak. Plans are underway to introduce a new Cooperative Code, designed to instill transparency and efficiency in cooperative institutions. This initiative is poised to revolutionize the sector by ensuring that every citizen in Rajasthan has seamless access to cooperative benefits.
The upcoming code is being meticulously crafted through the study of cooperative laws in progressive states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The focus is on making cooperative societies more transparent, functional, and aligned with the evolving needs of the people. Provisions will be added to ensure smooth membership processes, democratic participation, and economic engagement among members.
Strengthening the Backbone of Rural Rajasthan
One of the most crucial aspects of Rajpal’s mission is the modernisation of agricultural credit and procurement systems. She has taken a proactive approach in overseeing the procurement of essential crops like moong, soybean, and groundnut at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). To ensure a smooth process, she has mandated daily visits by district officials to procurement centres, ensuring immediate resolution of any operational challenges in collaboration with Rajfed officials.
Additionally, a major push towards digitization is underway. Rajpal has introduced biometric attendance machines across cooperative offices, starting with Sahakar Bhawan. This initiative aims to enhance accountability, ensuring that employees are present to serve the people and reducing unnecessary visits and delays for farmers and stakeholders.
Towards a Future of Inclusive Cooperation
Rajpal’s leadership is founded on the principles of democratic participation, economic equity, and inclusivity. The new Cooperative Code will reinforce these values, upholding the spirit of ‘All for one, and one for all.’ Elected officials will play an active role in decision-making, ensuring that cooperative institutions function autonomously yet efficiently.
Help desks will be set up in all district units and central cooperative banks, ensuring that farmers and rural citizens can easily access the services and benefits to which they are entitled. The cooperative movement in Rajasthan is set to enter a new era—one that prioritizes responsiveness, digital integration, and member-centric governance.
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A Vision for Transformative Change
Under Manju Rajpal’s stewardship, the Cooperative Department of Rajasthan is poised for groundbreaking advancements. Her dynamic leadership, combined with the state’s commitment to cooperation-led development, is set to uplift rural communities, empower farmers, and establish Rajasthan as a model for cooperative governance in India.
As she embarks on this journey, one thing remains certain: her unwavering dedication to service, efficiency, and transparency will redefine the cooperative landscape, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.
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