Amit Sharma, Special Secretary Cooperation (Independent Charge), Mizoram, has called upon John, Registrar Cooperative Societies (RCS), Mizoram, to elevate the Cooperative Movement in the state to new heights as part of the upcoming United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (UN IYC) 2025. The global theme for 2025, “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” is set to serve as a guiding principle for the state’s initiatives aimed at uplifting communities through diverse cooperative activities.
Mizoram, already a frontrunner in the cooperative sector among North Eastern states, is set to leverage this global initiative to expand its cooperative activities beyond traditional agriculture into 52 other sectors, aligning with the UN’s vision. During a meeting with officials from the Cooperation Department, Sharma emphasized the importance of implementing this theme in letter and spirit to ensure tangible benefits reach the masses.
Focus on Strengthening ePACS and NABARD Support
Secretary Sharma stressed the urgency of completing audits of the electronic Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (ePACS) to secure support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). He set clear timelines for this task, underscoring its critical role in enhancing financial stability and growth in the cooperative sector.
Expanding Successful Cooperative Models
Acknowledging the achievements of Mizoram’s Apex Cooperative Banks, Sharma directed the RCS to replicate similar success stories in other cooperative domains, including handloom and handicraft societies, as well as food and product marketing cooperatives. He highlighted the need to establish robust frameworks that would enable primary members of these societies to maximize their economic gains through sustained efforts.
Call for Field Engagement and Sensitization Workshops
Sharma also called on the officers of the Cooperation Department to intensify their field activities. He encouraged regular field visits and the organization of sensitization workshops aimed at bolstering the welfare of existing cooperative societies. These initiatives, he said, would enhance awareness and foster a sense of ownership among cooperative members.
Concluding his address, Sharma extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to the department’s employees, encouraging them to work with renewed zeal and enthusiasm as they gear up for the UN IYC 2025. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to make 2025 a landmark year for the cooperative movement in Mizoram.
With its strong performance and forward-looking initiatives, Mizoram is poised to take a leadership role in promoting the cooperative model as a cornerstone of inclusive development, in line with the United Nations’ vision for the future.
