NLCF holds 45th AGM peacefully; Dabas euphoric on Shah’s appointment

The apex body of labour co-ops in the country, NLCF held its 45th AGM last week at its headquarters in Delhi, amidst hope from the new team. The duo of new Chief Executive N Satyanarayana and Chairman (I/C) Ashok Dabas might prove to be lucky charm for the ailing Federation, felt several delegates on the occasion.

Readers would note that in an unusual development in the recent past, Ashok Dabas was made the Chairman In-charge. Using the occasion to the hilt, Dabas tried to infuse fresh vigour and energy among the delegates who have come from various parts of the country.

Patting himself on the back, Dabas informed that the Ministry has released Rs 80 lakhs to NLCF during the year 2020-21 for programs under Tribal Area Sub Plan Category in the North Eastern States and the other North Eastern States including Skill Development Training Programs.

“We are thankful to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India for releasing higher Grant-in-aid to execute the promotional activities as well as to conduct skill development/ member awareness training program for labour co-ops”, said Dabas.

Dabas also recounted initiatives being undertaken by the federation. “We have tied up with several organizations including Kendriya Bhandar. In future, we will provide free tool kits to the construction labourers and at present, the essential kits are being provided to them through the help of NGOs. We have targeted to distribute 1 lakh kits”, he informed.

“Under the visionary and dynamic leadership of our Hon’ble Minister for Home & Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah ji, we are quite optimistic that the federation will not leave any stone unturned in achieving its goals”, Dabas said welcoming Shah.

“Keeping in view its main objective of promotion and development of labour cooperatives, guiding and assisting member organizations for strengthening the labour cooperative movement, NLCF has started diversifying into new activities and programs. During the year 2020-21, NLCF made efforts to increase its members base”, said Dabas in his presidential speech.

He, however admitted that due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and various other reasons we honestly admit that we have not been able to perform to the expected levels but we shall put in more efforts in the coming years to achieve the objectives of NLCF.

NLCF, which often hogs media headlines due to internal conflicts among the board members, organized its AGM this time without a scene. From the dais, Dabas sought support of delegates in building the NLCF saying the time has come when we have to come together and take the labour cooperative movement to new heights.

Several delegates also spoke on various issues. One of the delegates suggested that the membership fee for the primary level co-ops should be reduced. A delegate from Haryana said there should be a special audit of grant-in-aid given by the federation. Another said the tender of less than Rs 10 lakh should be offline.

Arun Kumar Tomar proposed a vote of thanks.