On January 30, 2025, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development & Cooperation (CEDC) of NCUI, in collaboration with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Government of Assam, organized a consultation workshop to explore partnerships for strengthening Assam’s cooperative movement. The workshop analyzed the current landscape and identified ways to build the capacities of youth and women in cooperative societies.
Directors and members of over 30 cooperatives and FPOs from sectors like organic agriculture, pearl manufacturing, handloom, and handicrafts attended the meeting. Dr. Mahua Bhattacharjee, Research Expert of the NCUI-GIZ Project Management Unit (PMU), welcomed the Registrar and senior RCS officials, setting the agenda for discussions.
Sumit Singh, Advisor (Strategy and Cooperation), NCUI, introduced key initiatives by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, and NCUI, such as the NCUI Haat e-commerce portal and Skill Development Centre, which provide market access and skill enhancement for cooperative members.
He also outlined NCUI’s strategy for cross-sectoral collaboration with organizations like GIZ India, HCL Foundation, and Art of Living. Singh further highlighted the PMU’s role in documenting cooperative entrepreneurship models, implementing pilot projects in Assam and other states, and developing regional cooperative entrepreneurship frameworks.
Narayan Konwar, IAS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Assam, praised NCUI’s efforts in skill development and business facilitation through the NCUI Haat portal. He emphasized the challenges faced by Assam’s cooperatives in branding and promotion, underscoring the need to enhance product appeal for national and international markets.
He urged cooperatives to leverage NCUI’s market linkages and technical support for business growth. Konwar also detailed RCS Assam’s initiatives to upskill youth as entrepreneurs and called for closer collaboration with NCUI in integrated farming and women’s livelihoods to strengthen Assam’s cooperative sector.
Sumit Singh commended the Registrar’s initiatives in cooperative development and highlighted CEDC’s strategic partnerships with institutions like Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (Union Ministry of Education), T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), and IIT Delhi to equip students and professionals with entrepreneurial skills. The Registrar stressed the need to promote cooperative entrepreneurship across 80 colleges in Assam and sought CEDC’s support in providing training and mentorship for students and youth.
Representatives from FPOs and cooperative federations voiced concerns about access to online business platforms, export markets, product design, branding, and technical support. Many cooperatives sought guidance to enhance visibility and expand their networks.
It was decided that CEDC and RCS officials would exchange relevant documents and information on cooperative development. A follow-up meeting will be held to draft a roadmap outlining key interventions and action points to achieve the workshop’s objectives.
