NCUI empowers newly-appointed Co-op Information Officers in Maharashtra

The National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) has intensified its efforts to empower newly appointed Cooperative Information Officers (CIOs) of Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) through a series of training programs in Maharashtra.

Conceived by NCUI’s Chief Executive and being executed by its team of Ritesh Dey and others, the program is proving to be a success. Dey was also present in the closing session.

From December 2-7, NCUI organized two back-to-back three-day training sessions in Shirdi and Pune, attended by nearly 100 CIOs from various districts of the state. The first program, held in Shirdi, Ahmednagar district, was inaugurated by NCUI Chief Executive Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, with Suresh G. Wable, Chairman of the Federation of Multi-State Cooperative Credit Societies of Maharashtra, in attendance.

Recognizing the significance of the initiative, Kapil Meena, Director at the Ministry of Cooperation, participated in both events. Meena shared the Ministry’s vision and new initiatives, attended the valedictory session in Shirdi, and inaugurated the second program in Pune.

Smt. Monika Khanna, Joint Registrar from the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office, also participated, providing detailed insights into MSCS election procedures, the role of the CRCS, and dispute resolution processes. Her contributions were particularly noted during both programs.

The second training session in Pune was organized in collaboration with Sri Balaji University Pune (SBUP) and held on their campus. The event was inaugurated with support from SBUP Chancellor Prof. B. Paramanandhan and Prof. Manisha Paliwal, Head of SRUJAN SBUP.

The valedictory session featured Deepak Taware, Commissioner and Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) Maharashtra, who highlighted cooperative best practices across India and assured the participants of full state government support in implementing the CRCS’s directives.

NCUI’s expert team delivered sessions on critical topics. Dr. Sagar Wadkar, Adviser, NCUI, covered cooperative principles, professionalization, and MSCS amendments; Dr. V.K. Dubey, Adviser, NCUI, addressed membership and governance issues; and Mr. Yashank Kalyani demonstrated CRCS Portal applications, Ombudsman procedures, and CIO filing processes.

These training programs follow the amendments to the MSCS Act in 2023, which introduced Section 85A and 106 for establishing Cooperative Ombudsmen, quasi-judicial bodies, and CIO appointments in every MSCS. NCUI has taken the lead in equipping CIOs through tailored programs, starting with a pilot session in Delhi NCR earlier this year.

The initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) and Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah’s emphasis on “Co-operation among Co-operatives.” NCUI’s commitment to capacity building underscores its pivotal role in strengthening the cooperative movement nationwide.