By Manoj Kushwaha
Speaking on the occasion of 58th All India Cooperative Week Prof Abhijit Sen, Member Planning Commission said that 12th five year Plan will push cooperatives at the Centre stage.
In today’s fast changing world and stiff competition, role of cooperatives for the marginalized and downtrodden segment needs no emphasis. There are several models which are working on the principle of cooperation. Self-help group is a case in point which is empowering women of the country through micro credit, he added.
Mr Sen also accused cooperatives of failing this country even though agriculture, rural development and rural infrastructure need cooperative management for higher GDP.
At the time of crises of Indian economy, cooperative sector has stood like bulwark to the ill effect of recession and enabled sustain livelihood and provide rural purchasing power.
He emphasized that cooperatives is a must for all form of business and among various kinds of cooperative organisations in the country.
Shri Shivaji Rao G. Patil, Chairman, National Heavy Engineering Cooperatives and Chairman, High Powered Committee on Cooperation said that cooperatives are the vital instrument for inclusive growth as it has the capacity to serve the small and marginal farmers and un-skilled and disadvantageous group of the economy. He desired that role of cooperatives is important in the era of liberalisation to provide the protective shield to the ”Aam Aadmi”.
Shri Bijay Kumar, IAS, Managing Director, National Horticulture Board, Government of India emphasised the unique ownership pattern of cooperatives which places members of cooperatives in a better position in the market economy. He said that value based business cooperative models are need of the hour as it give strength to the common masses who do not have enough capital in the market infusion, and said that cooperatives should enjoy the full autonomy without any interference for their functioning.
Dr. A.B. Shukla, Registrar Cooperative Societies of Government of NCT of Delhi said that the concept of cooperatives did not come from foreign shore but was part and parcel of Indian ethos and culture. When we look at the functioning of the cooperative, he emphasised that Office Bearers should own the responsibility as also the success of their cooperatives and adhere to cooperative values and ethics as this is an ingredient for success of cooperatives.
Dr. Bijender Singh, Chairman, NAFED who was presiding over the inaugural function said that 58th All India Cooperative Week is held at a time when United Nation has declared 2012 as an International Year for Cooperatives. This will give ample opportunity for the cooperatives to promote their brands and visibility in the country.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Ashok Dabas, Member of Governing Council of NCUI to the participants and the representatives of Cooperative Societies, Teachers and students of various schools and institutions who participated in the function.
Dr. Dinesh, Chief Executive, NCUI read out the messages received from VIPs and dignitaries on the occasion of 58th All India Cooperative Week.