Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 18:
On the fifth day of the 54th All India Co-operative Week Celebration, 2007 being organised by Manipur State Co-operative Union in collaboration with District Co-operative offices under the guidelines of National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI) since November 14, a programme was organised at Nambol in Bishnupur district today wherein experts gave a clarion call for strengthening the Co-operative movement.
The observance function organised jointly by NCUI Co-operative, Education, Field Project, Bishnupur and District Co-operative Officer, Bishnupur under the aegis of Manipur State Co-operative Union at the office building of District Supply and Marketing Co-operative Society Limited located at Nambol Chingmang was attended by Additional Registrar of the State Government N Jugeshore Singh as chief guest, president of Manipur State Co-operative Union Kh Borekishore as functional president and Managing Director Board member of the Union Y Shantibala Devi and Chief Executive Officer B Kulachandra Sharma as guests of honour.
The function commenced with unfurling of the seven-colour flag of the Co-operative and lighting up the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest.
Speaking at the occasion, Jugeshore said strengthening of the Co-operative movement in a poor State like Manipur is very essential as it is one of the most important means of uplifting the financial condition of the people belonging to weaker section of the society.
In his presidential address, Borekishore pointed out that Co-operative movement is today being considered as the biggest and largest movement in the world and the history of Co-operative movement in is as old as over 100 years now.
Of the total 55 Co-operative Societies in India today, the total number of members has crossed over 23 crores.
Along with having absorbed over 100 villages in India, the movement has been able to boost the National economy to a large extent.
However, the scenario is different in case of Manipur.
As most of the Co-operative Societies existing in Manipur do not function properly, the benefit of the Co-operative movement in the State has not been able to extend to the masses.
Consequently, its contribution to the economy of the State is still wanting.
So, there is the urgent need to strengthen the Co-operative movement in Manipur, he said, while appealing to all the functionaries of the Co-operative Societies existing in the State to perform their duties with sincerity and dedication for all round development of the State.