The Maharashtra State Cooperative Credit Societies Federation (MAFCOCS) is gearing up for the International Cooperative Credit Societies Conference, scheduled for February 8th and 9th, 2025, in Shirdi.

To ensure that the event is a grand success, MAFCOCS Chairman Kaka Koyate met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur on Wednesday, extending a formal invitation for the conference.

This followed a prior meeting with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah who was also extended a warm invitation by Koyate.

According to reports, Fadnavis has accepted the invitation, expressing his strong support for the cooperative credit movement. Recognising the significant role of MAFCOCS in promoting financial inclusion and cooperative values, Fadnavis praised the Federation’s achievements and expressed enthusiasm for attending this landmark event. The Chief Minister’s remarks were shared on MAFCOCS’s official social media channels.

In addition to the participation of Chief Minister Fadnavis, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has also agreed to serve as the Chief Patron of the event. The MAFCOCS leadership expressed their gratitude to both the political heavyweights for their support and assured their commitment in strengthening the cooperative credit movement through their dedicated efforts.

Several dignitaries accompanied Koyate in extending the invitation including Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank Chairman Sanjay Bhende, Rajudas Jadhav, Sudarshan Bhalerao, and Nagpur District Credit Societies Federation President Rajendra Ghate. They affirmed their commitment to the success of the conference.

The significance of the event is underlined by the United Nations and the International Co-operative Alliance designating 2025 as the “International Year of Cooperatives.” MAFCOCS, representing over 16,000 cooperative credit societies in Maharashtra, is organizing the event, which is expected to attract participants from 16 countries, six Indian states, and over 10,000 stakeholders, including policymakers, cooperative leaders, and financial experts.

Maharashtra’s cooperative credit societies play a crucial role in financial inclusion. More than 2 lakh agents connect with 5 to 6 crore people across the state forming a robust lending network. This vast network will be central to the conference’s success and impact on the global cooperative movement.