In order to bring the subject “Cooperative” to center stage in the impending G20 meetings, a group of top cooperators led by NCUI President Dileep Sanghani and ICA AP President Dr Chandra Pal Singh Yadav met Indian Sherpa Amitabh Kant last week in the latter’s office in Delhi.
The leaders tried to impress on the Sherpa the potential of co-ops in addressing issues of growth and development in G 20 nations. Cooperatives could lead to prosperity in the world and there cannot be a better chance than this (G20 meeting) to drive home the message”, said Sanghani soon after the meeting.
Impressed by the postulations of the cooperators, Indian Sherpa Kant also got energized and phoned the B20 (Business Twenty) organizers to give time slots to cooperators and accommodate cooperatives in the G20 scheme of things.
It was planned that led by NCUI a mega co-op conference of co-operatives will be organized in the G20 schedule wherein not only the twenty participating countries but also co-ops from other nations would take part. Drawing attention to the PM’s vision of holding grand shows, the Sherpa impressed on leaders to think big.
“Shortly we will meet B20 Conveners to work it out in greater detail”, said one of the participants of the meeting which was attended by who’s who of the co-op sector. Besides Sanghani and Chandra Pal, Nafed Chairman Bijender Singh, NCUI Deputy CE Savitri Singh and several officers of NCUI were present on this occasion.
Talking to the Indian Cooperative soon after the meeting Chandra Pal said “This is a great opportunity for India to be the G-20 Presidency. India plans to showcase its economic, social, and cultural achievements during its Presidency”.
Yadav said further “In the 2022 top 300 rankings based on the ratio of turnover over GDP per capita, IFFCO and GCMMF stand at 1 st and 2nd ranks respectively. KRIBHCO is ranked at 6 th position. ULCCS from South India featured in the Top 10 sectoral rankings”.
“With 98% coverage in rural India, cooperatives are the backbone of the rural Indian economy ensuring sustainable livelihoods and income for people. With almost 8.5 lakh cooperatives, the movement comprises 21.7% of the Indian population and provides direct employment to 13.3% of the population”, we informed Indian Sherpa, said Chandra Pal.
Indian cooperators are working hard to position cooperatives in the G20 task forces and engagement groups such as B20, C20, W20, and Y20. They want to get on to Engagement Groups and plan to organize events with ICA members in India and other actors to showcase their work and promote cooperatives. They want the contributions and impact of co-ops on society to be included in the B20 and C20 recommendations.
The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit will take place on 9th-10th September 2023 in New Delhi.
