G Kaito Aye speaking at the 69th All India Cooperative Week in Kohima on November 14. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 14
Nagaland Agriculture and Cooperation Minister, G Kaito Aye today said he wanted to see the cooperative movement become a successful movement and lead to the economic and social development of the people especially in the rural areas.
“This Cooperative week should aim to strengthen the cooperative movement and focus on the various activities of the cooperatives. The cooperative societies are especially working in the rural areas and they have become the engines of the social and economic development of the people,” he said while addressing 69th All India Cooperative Week here at Capital Convention Centre on November 14.
The minister said that Cooperative Movement in Nagaland started in the year 1946 with the establishment of two Cooperative Societies.
The State Government, acknowledging the role of Cooperatives in promotion of economic and social democracy and in implementation of democratic planning with the principle of a welfare state, established the office of the Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Nagaland in 1966 bifurcating from the Agriculture Department.
Taking into consideration the important role of Cooperatives in development of the nation’s economy, a separate Co-operative Ministry was established by the Government of India in July, 2021.
He said that the Indian cooperative movement is the largest movement in the world, with more than 8.5 lakh cooperatives working in various areas of socio-economic activities.
One village, one cooperative society
“The Government of Nagaland has always taken a pro-active role in development of Cooperative movement in the state. In the recent years, the state government has taken advantage of the social capital and initiated 'One Village, One Cooperative Society,' where each household is represented in the Co-operative Society,” Aye said adding that This society will be the economic counterpart of the Village panchayat and provides all credit and non-credit services to its members.
The Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) a CSS program with a block cost of Rs. 52 crores is a four year Compact Area Development project currently being implemented in Kohima, Tuensang , Kiphire, Peren & Longleng districts and is nearing completion, he said adding that The ICDP project has resulted in the creation of 6 Collection Centers, 300 Micro ATM’s, 42 Pick-up Marketing Vehicles, 18 Marketing Godowns, 3 customized marketing bus, 304 piggery units, Fruit preservation unit in Tuensang, 2 Marketing Complex and 1230 Hectares of new agri/horti cultivation areas.
Rampant presence of non-functioning cooperative societies
He said that one of the major issues hindering the progress and development of the cooperative movement in Nagaland is the rampant presence of non-functioning cooperative societies and 'one-man cooperative societies.'
The minister said that he had given specific direction to cancel all non-functioning cooperative societies.
“I have been informed that till date 566 non-functioning cooperative societies have been cancelled. I am hopeful that the department will take serious action even in the coming years,” he said.
He said that Cooperative Movement in Nagaland can be strong because “we have organized community that can work together and develop a strong cooperative spirit.”
Stating that cooperation being a small department does not get huge funds from the state it does not have Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) which has slowed down the progress and visibility of the department. However, he extended appreciation to the department for efficient management and tireless efforts in contributing toward the development of the state and the nation.
He requested the NABARD, NEIDA, NCDC and other funding agencies to extend all possible help and assistance towards the Nagaland Cooperative Movement even in the day to come.
Meanwhile, Chedema Village Integrated Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited and Chendang Village Integrated Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited have been conferred with best Integrated MPCS award.
The programme was chaired by Sehjang Doungel, Commissioner & Secretary Cooperation. Temjen Longkumer, RCS, Nagaland, Abhijit Deb, MD, Nagaland State Co-operative Bank and Ketholenuo, project Officer, NCUI- CEFP also spoke at the programme.
Imnanukshi, CEO, Nagaland State Cooperative Union proposed vote of thanks.
