Dimapur, October 18: Two training programmes on ‘Developing cooperatives as rural growth centres (RKVY-TP-02)’ and ‘Nurturing cooperatives as institutions for developing agriculture and allied activities (RKVY-TP-03)’ are simultaneous underway at Cooperative Training Centre, Medziphema.
Secretary of Cooperation, Lithrongla G Chishi, inaugurated the training programmes on October 17 in the presence of many participants and faculty members. Speaking on the occasion, Chishi, while encouraging the participants to take the training seriously and commit themselves to create a difference, reminded them that it is their responsibility to build coordination between the departments and civil societies. She said if the societies failed, it is the failure of the department of cooperation.
Stating that the department is to guide the co-operative societies towards a sustainable economy, she said there is a need for the officials to walk an extra mile to create impact to the state’s economy ultimately.
Terming most societies in existence as ‘subsidy oriented’ rather than to bring development and to change situations, she said those people are after free money and not development.Also stating that Nagaland has a very strong presence of co-operative societies, she however said the State needs a co-operative movement. She informed that Nagaland is far from reaching the targeted growth rate set by the Government of India which stands at 4%. Except one or two societies, she said no other society has shown any sign of growth adding the growth rate of the State remains somewhere near zero.
Earlier, giving an overview of the trainings, Dr. JS Chauhan, (TOPIC) NCDC, said the objective of holding such trainings was to involve the co-operative societies and help them flourish so that they may play pivotal role in the development of rural economies.
Describing co-operative societies as ‘community business associations,’ he said India lives in its villages and added that no political system is going to bring development that people want even in a century. He said the only way to bring such developments is through co-operative societies by exploiting the available resources through applying skills.
Citing the example of Amul, he said Amul which was started by few people in a village is now setting up dairy farm in New York. With the given proper training and dedication, he strongly felt that there is no reason why Nagaland civil societies cannot flourish as the people are very honest, hardworking and hospitable.
The training on ‘Developing cooperatives as rural growth centres’ with 35 participants will continue for five days, while the training on ‘Nurturing cooperatives as institutions for developing agriculture and allied activities’ with 35 participants will continue for four days.
The trainings, which are being conducted by NCDC, TOPIC, Gurgaon, will conclude on October 20 and October 21 respectively.
