Chizokho Vero
Kohima | November 14
The need to strengthen cooperative movement in Nagaland in boosting the rural economy, have been strongly felt during the observance of 54th All India Cooperative Week in Kohima today. Several speakers expressed the need to modernize the existing cooperative societies as well as adopting realistic approach in ensuring healthy growth of the cooperative societies in the state.
The people have become aware of the potentials of the cooperative movement and they are coming forward to organize different types cooperative societies to uplift their economic condition and quality of life, maintained R. Khing, parliamentary secretary, Co-operation, Fire & Emergency service while speaking on occasion, which is being held in coinciding with the “Year of Farmers 2007.” Khing informed that the government will continue to patronize the cooperative movement in the state. He, however, said that the success of the movement depends on the willing cooperation of the people.
Stating that the state government and cooperative bank shall extend loan for productive purposes, Khing stressed on the need to “bear in mind that proper utilization of loans, timely repayment, good management, involvement of members in the affairs of their societies are the inputs for the success of the cooperative movement in the state.”
Also appreciating the state cooperative department for visiting the primary societies in the interior and remote areas of the state with a view to get acquainted with the problems and difficulties, Khing also felt that a massive education and training program “should be initiated by the department so as to yield satisfactory result.” Commenting on the “Year of Farmers,” now entering into second year, the Parliamentary Secretary was of the view that all concerted efforts should be out in by all concerned to ensure building up of a stronger economic base by the Naga people for the Naga society.
He also asserted that there is now a great awakening everywhere in the state to make the cooperative movement a success.Touching on the theme of the celebration, “Popularizing cooperative model of development for inclusive growth,” Khing said “The cooperative sector therefore, should re-orient its functioning to meet the challenges of new situation. All efforts should be made to ensure that professional competence of cooperatives is strong enough to withstand competitions.” He also appealed to all the cooperative societies to re-dedicate to observe the week long program with special endeavor to increase participation of more people in the movement.
Earlier, Governor K. Sankaranarayanan in his message appreciated the department for formulating scheme to set up Cold Storage through cooperative societies in all the district headquarters in the state during the current year.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his message said“I am glad to note that the cooperative movement in the state has been giving a thrust to the agri. and allied sectors for achieving sustainable improvements in the lives of the people of the state,”. Also terming the theme of the celebration as “aptly selected,” Rio was confident that the celebration will have fruitful result with the exchange of ideas amongst the participants, and promote the cause of cooperative movement in the state.
Messages from union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, union finance minister P. Chidambaram, minister of state for agriculture Kantilal Bhuria minister law and justice BR Bhardwaj, minister for planning Nagaland Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu etc. etc., were also conveyed at the celebration.
Exhibition- cum- sales also figured at the celebration in Kohima. The celebration will go on till November 20. Series of exhibition –cum- sales in different parts of the state have also been framed.
Nov 15: Mkg, Wokha, Kiphire
Nov 16: Mon, Zbto, Tsg
Nov 17: Pfutsero
Nov 18: Jalukie.
The valedictory function will take place at Dimapur on November 20.
