Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Cooperation Minister M Liju on Saturday said the state government is committed to restoring the cooperative sector to its people-centric character by eliminating corruption and exploitation.

In a Facebook post marking the International Day of Cooperatives, the minister said the cooperative movement has played a pivotal role in the development of India and Kerala and has been a major source of strength for the state during times of crisis.

Liju said the cooperative sector has made a unique contribution to the making of modern Kerala and has significantly improved the lives of people in the state.

Unlike corporate institutions, cooperative societies function on the principles of democratic governance, collective ownership and social responsibility, helping bring marginalised sections into the mainstream, he said.

Referring to this year's International Day of Cooperatives theme, "Cooperatives for a Peaceful World", the minister said the government views the sector with great hope.

He said efforts are underway to eradicate corruption and exploitation from the cooperative sector and restore its fundamental character as a people's movement.

In recent years, several cooperative banks and societies have faced corruption probes, including by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kerala.