Cooperation and Excise Minister M. Liju on Friday said the government will restore the credibility of the cooperative sector and ensure the safety of cooperative institutions and depositors.He was inaugurating the state-level launch of ‘Thanal’, an environmental protection initiative organised by the Cooperation Department as part of World Environment Day celebrations.Highlighting Kerala’s dominant role in India’s cooperative movement, the minister said nearly 60 per cent of the country’s cooperative sector is in the state. “We will strengthen the sector by ensuring depositor security and will take strict action against those who attempt to exploit or loot cooperative institutions,” he said.The minister added that a comprehensive cooperative policy will be formulated by consolidating the views of stakeholders across institutions under the department. He also said pending grievances will be addressed on a priority basis under the government’s 100-day action plan.“Arbitrators and officials must ensure that ordinary people, especially the poor, get timely relief. Unnecessary litigation should be avoided and decisions should focus on resolving genuine grievances,” he said.As part of the event, the minister planted saplings at the Viyyur Service Cooperative Bank premises and stressed the importance of not just planting trees but also protecting them, while encouraging environmentally responsible lifestyles.The function was presided over by P.R. Varghese Master, Managing Committee Member of the State Cooperative Union. Published - June 05, 2026 07:01 pm IST