SHILLONG, Nov 15: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo has emphasized on the need to review the performance and progress of the cooperative movement in the
local context before widening the scope of talking about the importance of cooperatives in various aspects of the lives of people and society.
Speaking at the 68th All India Cooperative Week celebration here on Monday, the DC stressed on the need to engage all stakeholders so that they can come together to further the cause of the movement in the state.
The celebratory programme was organised by the office of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd., Shillong, on ‘Prosperity Through Cooperation’.
The DC also acknowledged the valuable contribution of health cooperatives in different parts of the country in tackling various challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lauding local cooperative societies for their commendable performance over the years, she said that such institutions need to be given a platform to serve as an example and encouragement for others.
Adding that there is an endless array of activities that, through the institution of the cooperative society, can help elevate people from poverty, Laloo pointed out the important role which officers of the Cooperative department can play by creating awareness on the avenues available through government schemes such as Piggery Mission, Milk Mission, the Integrated Village Cooperative Societies etc.
“The objective of the Cooperative Movement in the state should be to empower cooperatives so that they can think in a new direction”, she added.
The weeklong celebrations, which aim at providing an opportunity for cooperatives to highlight their success stories, project their achievements and chalk a future action plan so as to provide a direction to the growth of the cooperative movement, is being observed through a series of programmes including workshops, seminars, contests and other events from between November 14 and 21.