Only Trained, Not Favoured: Amit Shah Says Rs 500-Crore Cooperative University Aims To Curb Nepotism In Sector

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has said that India's upcoming first national university for the cooperative sector in Gujarat will work to combat nepotism, reported Deccan Herald.

Shah stated on Saturday (5 July) that Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU) will ensure only trained individuals secure jobs in this sector in the future.

The Union Home Minister was addresing a gathering at Anand Agriculture University after laying the foundation stone for TSU on the premises of the adjoining Water and Land Management Institute.

The university, named after the late Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel, a pioneer of India's cooperative movement and instrumental in establishing Amul, will be built on a 125-acre plot and cost Rs 500 crore.

Shah emphasised, "The upcoming university will work to address the allegations of nepotism in this sector. Unlike the past, when people were first hired and then trained, only trained people will get jobs in this sector in the future," he said.

He added that the university will also address the sector's current "weaknesses" and bridge training gaps in a domain that engages about 30 crore people, or every fourth person in the country.

Shah affirmed that India's cooperatives sector possesses abundant talent, needing a manpower of trained soldiers, experts and officials.

TSU, he said, will fill this 'mega vacuum'.

Shah also responded to concerns about the university not bearing Dr Verghese Kurien's name, the White Revolution's father.

He acknowledged Kurien's undeniable role but highlighted Patel's foundational contribution.

"Patel sahab (Tribhuvan Patel) enlightened and nurtured the cooperative movement... it was his vision that the sector is standing strong today," he said.

Shah noted that Congress leaders raising such questions were unaware that Patel belonged to their party.

The minister pointed out that the BJP did not exist then.

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