Patna: Bihar’s Cooperative Minister Dr. Prem Kumar is currently on a four-day study tour of Kerala to explore the state’s acclaimed cooperative model, with a particular focus on its success in the service and tourism sectors. The visit, which runs from April 19 to 22, aims to identify innovative approaches that could be replicated in Bihar.
Accompanied by a delegation including Cooperative Department Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Additional Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, Bihar State Cooperative Bank Managing Director Manoj Kumar Singh, and advisor Anadi Shankar, Dr. Kumar spent Sunday examining a standout example of Kerala’s cooperative strength—the T & U Leisure Hotel in Munnar.
The hotel, established by the Munnar Service Cooperative Bank at a cost of Rs29.50 crore, is a testament to the power of community-driven enterprise. Spread across one acre and covering 35,000 square feet, the property features 34 premier rooms, two state-of-the-art conference halls, a 100-seat restaurant, a coffee shop, and a masala store. Crucially, it has created employment for 72 local residents.
The minister also reviewed the operations of the Munnar Service Cooperative Bank, founded in 1988. With loans disbursed totalling Rs63.51 crore and deposits amounting to Rs72.70 crore, the bank is an example of financial resilience and local engagement.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Kumar emphasised the importance of adopting similar models in Bihar, particularly in tourist hubs like Gaya and Rajgir. “These areas attract significant domestic and international tourism. Developing cooperative-run hospitality services here could provide high-quality, affordable options for travellers while generating local employment,” he said.
The minister stressed that Bihar’s cooperative movement must diversify beyond agriculture. “We need multidimensional cooperatives that can contribute to economic growth through innovative ventures,” he added.
