Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 20
Another phase of Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) for Kohima, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng and Peren districts for a period of 4 years was formally launched here today by minister for agriculture & cooperation, G. Kaito Aye.
“ICDP started in Nagaland in the year 1989 and since then we (Cooperation department) have implemented the scheme in 8 districts. Among all the ICDPs, this ICDP for 5 districts is quite unique and especial one,” said ARCS Imsunungsang.
This project will cover all major agri & allied activities supported by storage, transportation and marketing facilities. The funds involved consist of 70% loan component and the remaining as share capital/subsidy.
Implement the scheme in letter and spirit
Launching the scheme, Kaito called upon the concerned officers to implement the scheme in letter and spirit and also discharge their responsibilities with all sincerity and transparency.
Financed by National Co-operative Development Corporation (A Govt. of India undertaking), under the ICDP, an integrated area based approach is adopted for development of cooperative societies in selected district, the minister said.
Kaito said the scheme promotes various economic activities through cooperatives in the sphere of agriculture, agro-based industries, cottage & household industries, fishery, dairy, handloom, horticulture and rural industries. The minister urged the targeted cooperative societies to be aware of the objectives of the project and come up with exemplary achievements and success stories.
“The cooperative societies in the state can be transformed into self-reliant societies and together with the implementing agency we can make this cooperation department a people friendly department,” he said.
NStCB to act as PIA
The Nagaland State Cooperative Bank Limited (NStCB) will act as the Project Implementing Agency (PIA) for the presently launched ICDPs in 5 district, said NStCB managing director Lipoktoba Aier.
“The bank is fully prepared and geared up to successfully implement the ICDPs in the present phase to the satisfaction of the NCDC, the state government and beneficiaries,” Aier declared.
Aier urged the Project Implementing Team (PIT) to cover only functional cooperative societies with authenticated members and to emphasis that cashless transaction be insisted.
Aier said that all transaction will be routed through the respective Saving Bank Accounts of the beneficiaries so that “we do not leave any room for complaints from NCDC/ Govt of India, Govt. of Nagaland, NABARD and RBI at the time of submission of reports and returns.”
Weavers, artisans share delight
“This project (ICDP) will financially help less deprived artisans and weavers to improve their products and also provide employment opportunities,” said a representative from Kohima District Weavers & Artisans Cooperative Societies Ltd.
She maintained the launching of the ICDP scheme for the 5 districts was a great opportunity for artisans and weavers to promote and preserve the indigenous products, thereby contribute to preserving Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage. This is a great project with a wide scope for societies to grow and progress in every aspect, she added.
Earlier, MARCOFED Ltd. vice chairman Dr. Aotoshi and Cooperation secretary K. Libanthung Lotha also delivered short speech. The function was chaired by Nagaland RCS Wepe Ritse.
