NATIONAL COOPERATIVE UNION OF INDIA
REPORT OF
16TH INDIAN COOPERATIVE CONGRESS HELD ON
25-26TH JUNE, 2013 AT NEW DELHI.
INAUGURAL FUNCTION
Inauguration of 16th Indian Cooperative Congress held on 25 June 2013 in Siri Fort
Auditorium. The Programme was inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab
Mukherjee. Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Hon’ble
Chief Minister of Delhi, Her Excellency Smt. Kamla Beniwal, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat,
Shri S.C. Jamir, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Ms. Dame Pauline Green, President, International
Cooperative Alliance (ICA), Mr. Li Chunsheng, President, ICA-Asia Pacific, Shri Tariq Anwar,
Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Ashish Bahuguna, Secretary, Department of
Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India were present on the dais.
Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, President NCUI delivered welcomed all dignitaries and
the delegates. He welcome all the delegates. He said that cooperative movement in India is
one of the largest movement in the world with 6 lakhs cooperatives and 26 crores members.
Cooperative is prevalent in small & marginal farmers, artisans, labour and economically weaker
sections of the society. The contribution of cooperative sector in national economy is immense.
He remembered the quotation of late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru who said that “Cooperatives are not
only important but essential in Indian economic system”. Making to this point the theme of 16th
Indian Cooperative Congress was set in “Cooperative Enterprise Build a Better World”. Dr.
Yadav congratulated Agriculture Minister for passing of historical Constitutional Amendment Bill
2011 in the Parliament. This bill will be strengthening cooperative societies and bringing
professionalism & autonomy to the cooperatives. He hoped that after the passage of this bill,
the cooperative society will contribute to inclusive growth and strengthening rural economy of
the nation. He expressed his concerned on Director Tax Code and its implication on the
economic viability of society. He expressed the hope that given the due importance of
cooperative in the Indian economy the 12th Five Year Plan draft should include a separate
chapter on cooperative sector. He also hoped that cooperation may be included as a subject in
the school syllabus. He opined that cooperation is a thought, is a base and a unique pattern of
economic development.
In the last, he expressed condolence for all those who lost their life in the natural
calamity of Uttarakhand. At the same time, he exhorted the co-operators of India to contribute
generously to the relief fund.
Ms. Dame Paulin Green, President ICA said that India as cooperatively developed
country could widen its coverage to villages to towns & even cities. We have good stories to tell
in the cooperative sector. India could develop global brands too. She shared her experiences of
visiting IFFCO’s project, which served a rural people a lot.
In her speech, she congratulated President of India for making formation of cooperatives
a Fundamental Right through 97th Constitution Amendment. She stressed the need for helping
the cooperatives by recognizing their significance as well as channelizing the funds to this
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movement. She has concluded the speech by positively hoping for building a better world
through cooperatives.
His Excellency Shri S.C. Jamir, Governor of Odisha grace the occasion & delivered
the talk. He narrated in the past, the cooperative congress have made many recommendations,
which had far reaching impact on the development of cooperatives.
The present theme of the Congress “Cooperative Enterprise Build a Better World” is
well thought and need of the hour. He discussed how the cooperatives is an effective
instrument of economic development by significantly contributing to various stakeholders i.e.
women, poor, self help groups etc.
He highlighted the contribution of cooperatives in Odisha, especially Madhusudan Dass
in promoting & nursing the cooperatives. He lauded the role played by the cooperatives in
Odisha in up scaling the self help groups, cooperative bank linkage programme. At the same
time, he wanted that cooperatives should take active part in marketing of agricultural produce
like paddy procurement by PACS.
Cooperatives in Odisha are effectively implementing the National Agricultural Scheme
and place an important role in ensuring financial inclusion. Many people believed that
cooperative is a failed venture but it is not the case. At the same time, he stressed the need for
developing the professional management, equipping with information communication
technology to achieve financial inclusion.
Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi. In her felicitation address she
expressed her gratitude for the presence of Ms. Dame Pauline Green, President, ICA as well as
congratulated Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav for bringing the Cooperative Congress in Delhi.
She mentioned about the dream of late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru about the cooperative movement
and success stories of IFFCO, KRIBHCO, AMUL NAFED etc. She stressed on the need for
focus on HRD, particularly education & training. To the Chief Minister, cooperatives have a
unique structure which will help all kinds of communities. She expressed her positive
expectations about the role of cooperatives in the development of women & Youth.
Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Food Processing industries
while delivering his address narrated that he came from the field of cooperatives and
understand the role played by the cooperatives in various spheres like rural credit, supply of
inputs storage, marketing, consumer, sugar and other areas. He stressed the importance of
financial inclusion to achieve the mantra of inclusive growth. He emphasized Government of
India in its endeavour to provide conducive policy & legal framework brought out important
milestone in amending the constitution of India, Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act and the
implementation of Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure Reforms & Revival Package.
Further he felt, the constitutional amendment is very important and ensuring the democratic,
professional & autonomous characteristics of cooperatives. He also elaborated the contribution
of cooperatives in ensuring the target in food production and the greater role to be played by the
cooperatives in implementing the food security bill.
He mentioned the issue of efficiency & efficacy of cooperatives and stressed the need
for having a good governance system in providing value added services to be competitive in the
market. To achieve this, Hon’ble Minister wanted that the cooperatives should have effective
cooperative education and professional training programmes. Further, the Hon’ble Minister
recalled the appreciation of the President of India, the role cooperatives played in the economic
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development of the country. Finally, the Hon’ble Minister hinted that cooperative is the potential
tool for the sustainable development of members, stakeholders and women cooperatives.
Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble President of India started his inaugural address by
expressing his pleasure to inaugurate this great event of national importance. He mentioned the
importance of cooperation as a philosophy being followed in all walks of life. To him,
cooperatives have a great potential which needs to be harnessed for the development of the
society. While talking about the history of development of cooperatives, he referred the role
played by rulers of the pre-independence period & administrators of the post independence
period. He recalled the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi on cooperation and viewed that the
Panchyati Raj system was the realization of the democratic governance at the village level.
Hon’ble President referred the directives principles of the Indian Constitution and considered
cooperatives as a tool for economic growth. While quoting the Nehruvian thoughts on
cooperation he felt that cooperatives can transform the economy. He explained the quantitative
development of cooperatives in various sectors such as credit, sugar, storage, marketing,
consumer etc.
By quoting Noble Laureate Shri Amratya Sen, he explained the role of cooperatives in
bringing cohesion & harmony in the community life. He expressed his belief in the strength of
cooperatives in facing global crisis. Though cooperatives have limitation, he reiterated his
conviction over the strength of cooperatives in finding solutions. He hoped that cooperatives can
enter into new areas such as education, health, precision farming etc. He viewed that
cooperatives need a bottom up approach wherein it can work as an organization of the people,
by the people, among the people. The Hon’ble President hoped that cooperatives will achieve
qualitative development along with the quantitative achievements & this congress will deliberate
on strategies for developing an equitable world through cooperatives.
Dr. Dinesh, Chief Executive of National Cooperative Union of India extended vote of
thanks in the last. On the very onset he expressed sincere thanks to Hon’ble President of India
Shri Pranab Mukherjee for sparing his valuable time to inaugurate the 16th Indian Cooperative
Congress. He also expressed thanks to Chief Minister, Governors & other dignitaries present
on the dais. He expressed his thanks to different cooperative organizations, Ministry of
Agriculture, Government of India for guidance & necessary logistics support. He also expressed
his hearty thanks to delegates’ also different cooperative societies from all parts of India.
Thereafter the Eight Technical Sessions were held on June 25-26 June, 2013 in the
following topics:
Business Session - I
Direct Tax Code Bill - IT - Exemption to Cooperatives
Business Session - II
Cooperative Legislation and Governance Recent Trends
Business Session - III
Cooperative Credit Sector –Issues and Challenges
Business Session - IV
Cooperative Enterprises - Acceptable Business Model
Business Session - V
Consumer and Food Security - A Role of Cooperatives
Business Session - VI
Women and Youth in Cooperatives
Business Session - VII
Cooperative Education and Training
Business Session - VIII
Emerging Cooperatives and Weaker Section Cooperatives
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The details deliberation of the Technical Session are as under:-
BUSINESS SESSON - I
DIRECT TAX CODE BILL – INCOME TAX EXEMPTION TO COOPERATIVES
Shri Subhash Lakhotia, Expert in Direct Taxation said that It is necessary for the
Government to increase the role of cooperatives in the economic growth. The congenial income
tax provisions may help the cooperatives to grow and in term it will help the overall growth of the
country. He discussed about the IT exemptions available to cooperatives under Section 80P.
He further added that the cooperatives engaged in cottage industry, those engaged in
the business of agriculture process without aid of power and those engaged in collective
disposal of labour of their members, enjoying 100% deductions on income under Section 80 (P)
of the Act.
Shri Sanjay Aggarwal, Central Council Member of ICA highlighted that due to over
taxation on them it may slowly kill them. In fact Government is getting service tax, excise and
generating employment through cooperatives and further taxing them on income.
Shri B.D. Sinha, Chairperson while concluding the session stated that Section 72 (A)
regarding mergers and amalgamation for the companies should also be applicable to
cooperatives. Here any loss making cooperative society be absorbed by the profit making
cooperative society, loss can be adjusted against the profit of the profit making societies and
concluded the session with the following recommendations as resolved.
BUSINESS SESSION - II
COOPERATIVE LEGISLATION AND GOVERNANCE - RECENT TRENDS
The session started on 25th June, 2013 at around 2:30 pm at Sri Fort Auditorium, New
Delhi and was chaired by Shri G.H. Amin, Vice-President, NCUI. The Special Session was
addressed by Ms. Paulen Green, President ICA, Shri R.K. Tiwari, IAS, MD NHB, Dr. M.L.
Khurana, MD NCHF, Shri D. Krishna, Advisor NAFCUB Board, Shri Pithawalla, Assistant Vice
President, Godrej, New Delhi.
Ms. Paulen Green in her deliberation has opined that nowadays the cooperatives are
growing in large number around the world. It demands the business acumen and strategy so
that they can excell and perform by competing with different types of organization in the world.
She also emphasized that the active participation of the members will make cooperatives
healthy and stronger. She also stressed upon the following five key points which are essential
for running a successful cooperatives business model i.e. (i) democratic participation (ii) social
media/ internet/ accessories (iii) non compromise on member rights (iv) training for leaders as
well as members, and (v) infusion of fresh blood in cooperative sector. Further, she asserted
that the involvement of younger generation is essential which is lacking at present.
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Dr. M.L. Khurana, in his deliberation emphasized upon the need for a special
legislation for inclusion of a separate Chapter in present Cooperatives Act relating to Housing
Cooperatives. However, a Model Law on Housing cooperatives has already been drafted and
approved by the then Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation and Ministry of
Law, GOI. The same has been sent to all State Governments for implementation and the States
like Delhi, Goa, J&K and Madhya Pradesh have already initiated action on it. It is therefore,
suggested that other State Governments should also consider the same.
Shri R.K. Tiwari, in his address asserted upon that if the Cooperatives fail to meet
the aspirations of its members, they will loose their faith in the cooperatives. He also suggested
that to make cooperative successful the members should actively participate in managing the
affairs of the society.
Shri D. Krishna was under the impression that cooperatives should upgrade their
technology, improve and modernize the way of conducting businesses. He also suggested that
the involvement of youth is essential so as to develop the competency of cooperative
organizations.
In concluding remarks Shri G.H. Amin said that the cooperative legislation plays a
vital role for the existence, development and governance of cooperatives.
BUSINESS SESSION - III
COOPERATIVE CREDIT SECTOR – ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
Shri Suresh Prabhu former Union Minister, Govt. of India and founder trustee of IFFCO
Foundation highlighted that even after 65 years of independence the majority of Indians have
not been able to open their bank account. It was made compulsory under the MNREGA to open
an account and despite the fact, universal banking was not materalized. This has impacted on
economic independence of marginalized section of the society. Though the Government has
started inclusive growth drive but progress in this regard is insignificant. The Public Sector
Banks and Private Sector Banks have not contributed significantly for inclusive growth. He
stressed that banking is not a mere a commercial activity and it is a part of the mission. The
Missionary zeal is absent in public sector banks and private sector banks and hence
cooperative banks have the potential to fulfill this gap.
He stressed the need for
COOPERATIVE BANK OF INDIA for the cooperative credit sector.
Mr. B.Subramanyam, Managing Director, NAFSCOB, highlighted the issues and
challenges before short-term cooperative credit sector of our country. The major committees on
rural credit cooperatives were highlighted and particularly the ACRC Committee also known as
Khusro Committee was the best committee which studied the entire gamut of cooperative credit
structure and gave recommendations, he mentioned.
Further he focused on the
recommendations of the taskforce on revival of cooperative credit institutions led by Prof. A.
Vaidyanathan(2005).
Shri K.K. Ravindran, Managing Director, NAFCARD highlighted the issues and
challenges before long-term cooperative credit sector. In his address he mentioned that
agricultural growth is central to India’s growth and credit plays an important role.
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Shri Jyotinder Mehta, Director, NAFCUB speaking over the issues and challenges
before the Urban Cooperative Banks Shri Mehta highlighted the major issues which are
responsible for declining of market share of UCBs, as it has come down from 14% to 4%.
Mr. Suddhansu K.K. Misra. AGM NABARD opined that though the cooperative is weak
it has so many inherent strength. He pointed out that in future the Cooperative Bank should
focus business on inherent agriculture domain and take the leverage of core banking. He
assured the banking fraternity that NABARD will be always helping and guiding force to
cooperative bank.
Sh. S.N. Sharma, Chairman, NCHF & Dr. Bijender Singh, said that there are so many
challenges before cooperative bank which need to be addressed. He said that the cooperative
Amendment Bill 2011 will help in maintaining the autonomy of cooperative sector. He also said
that marketing federation has to improve its business in order to help the farmer in the village.
He expressed the hope that strengthening the cooperative credit structure will help
strengthening the status of farmer.
BUSINESS SESSION – IV
COOPERATIVE ENTERPRISES ACCEPTABLE BUSINESS MODEL
Shri R.S. Sodhi, Managing Director, GCMMF presented a paper on the business model
of Amul and narrated the success story of Amul. He started his presentation with the historical
perspective of the development of Amul since 1946. The basic business model of Amul is “Cow
to consumer”. He narrated how the cooperatives is better competitive than the private players
and highlighted the share of producers in the consumer price in cooperative was ranges from 80
to 86% whereas in USA and UK it ranges from 36 to 38%. The success of Amul model is value
addition to market innovation.
Shri Sambhasiva Rao, Marketing Director, KRIBHCO presented the business model of
KRIBHCO. His presentation highlighted the uniqueness of cooperative business and various
initiative of KRIBHCO in the field of fertilizer, distribution and other corporate social
responsibility activities undertaken by KRIBHCO.
Shri Satya Prakash Thakur, Chairman, BHUTTICO, Kullu narrated the story of
BHUTTICO a famous handloom cooperatives in the beautiful valley of Kullu Manali. He felt a
cooperative can compete with any player in the market provided it had committed leaders and
members coupled with technology.
Shri Sukesh Zamwar, Managing Director, Buldana Cooperative Credit Society
presented on the successful business model of Buldana Cooperative Credit Society (BCCS).
Shri B. Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer, ULCCS Ltd. Kerala presented how a poor
labour pool can establish cooperative institutions and make it a big success.
Shri K.G. Wankhede, CEO, IFFDC highlighted that IFFDC played a crucial role in
saving the environment initially and to-day they are focus to address the climate concern.
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In the concluding remarks of Dr. U.S. Awasthi, he said that IFFCO Foundation is making
all out efforts in making cooperatives as a successful business entity. He pointed out that
Foundation has introduced a free financial software for cooperatives and training is given at free
of cost.
BUSINESS SESSION - V
CONSUMER AND FOOD PRODUCTION - ROLE OF COOPERATIVES
After the due deliberation, the Technical Session members unanimously resolved to take
action in the following issues to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country:
Shri Virendar Singh said that there is a need to create awareness about consumerism
among consumers. Consumer movement in India is weak, it needs to be strengthened in the
lines of Singapore, Japan and Korea. Crucial role should be given to Consumer Cooperatives in
the proposed Food Security Bill of Govt. of India and NCUI may initiate necessary steps in this
regard. Public Distribution System (PDS) which was earlier with the Cooperatives shall be
restored in the country. Stringent steps should be initiated to purchase stationery by Govt.
departments from Consumer Cooperatives only.
Shri Sanjeev Chopra, IAS said that steps should be initiated to re-define the Consumer
and new avenues such as Health, Education, Child Care, Old Age Homes and Tourism sectors
should be explored to provide services at lower prices to the Consumers. Resolution should be
passed to remove APMC Act and Cooperatives should be given permission to enter into the
market and sell their products directly.
Dr. Gopi Ghosh said that steps should be initiated to make Public Distribution System
smart and efficient by reducing transportation cost, co-create research and technology transfer,
make farmers as partners in consumer cooperative movement, community management and
collectivization, Farmer Field Schools (FFS), adopt institutional mechanism as in or like a
Cooperative, empower farmers through Information Communication & Technology (ICT)
BUSINESS SESSION - VI
WOMEN AND YOUTH IN COOPERATIVES
Priyambda Tripathy of IFFCO Foundation in her views expressed need for climate
change and skill development. She also mentioned about formation of National Council on Skill
Development Board with public & private partnership.
Minakshi Buragohain, Vice president JNU Student Union expressed
involvement of women and youth in cooperatives which is not yet taken off.
the need for
Ms. Labhu Thakkar, Managing Director, SEWA presented overview of SEWA and its
role in promoting various cooperatives in Gujrat & other states of the country. There are 106
cooperatives institutions under SEWA with 90,000 membership.
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BUSINESS SESSION - VII
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Sh. S.K.Tucker, Director TOPIC, NCDC ,Gurgaon said that 97th Amendment in the Indian
Constitution paves way for professionalism besides aiming at other strengths. He further said
that Focus to add “value” to members’ quality of life through education programmes Introduce
special committees and awards by cooperatives or their federations to encourage active and
professional participation of members
Mr. G.N.Saxena, IFFCO Foundation, New Delhi informed that about 1000 cooperative
education instructors carry on their shoulders the responsibility of educating about 25 crores
cooperative members i.e. one instructor is supposed to educate about 2.5 lakh cooperative
members.
He said that there is acute dearth of modern training and education material within the
Indian cooperative movement.
Dr. Dinesh, Chief Executive, NCUI suggested that before the actual training programme
debriefing of the trainees is very essential. One needs to prepare trainees mentally for the
training programme. They must know ,wha t is the use of the training programme for
themselves as well their organisation.
Further Dr. Dinesh emphasizes that trainers should have trainers quality and
professional trainer. Training is different than teaching hence trainer should have different
qualities as trainer.
Prof. P. Chandrashekhra ,Manage, Mr. Kedar Newpane, RCS Nepal and Mr. Gunathi
Leke, NCID Sri Lanka also vigoursly supported the above suggestions
Shri Lakhan Singh Sahu, Member, Governing Council proposed the vote of thanks.
BUSINESS SESSION –VIII
EMERGING COOPERATIVES AND WEAKER SECTION COOPERATIVES
Shri B.K. Mishra has made a detailed presentation about fisheries cooperatives.
Shri Tushar Pandey has made a presentation about “Catalyzing Tourism Through
Cooperative Principles.”
Shri Jainendra Kumar Singh, M.D., AMCOS emphasized Need for creation of more
employment opportunities for the development of tribal cooperatives and establishment of biofertilizer plant in tribal areas.
Shri R.N. Pandey, M.D. has made a presentation on the topic “Labour’ Cooperatives –
A Unique Approach to solve the Employment Problem in India”.
VALEDICTORY FUNCTION
The 16th Indian Cooperative Congress, organized by National Cooperative Union of
India (NCUI) concluded this evening after two days of intensive deliberations on all aspects of
the cooperative movement. Governor of Punjab & Administrator U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Shivraj
Patil was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function held at the NCUI Auditorium in New Delhi.
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Also present on the occasion were Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Cooperation, Chemical and Fertilizer, Statistics and Programme Implementation Shri Srikant
Kumar Jena and Minister of Cooperation, PWD and Irrigation, Government of Uttar Pradesh,
Shri Shivpal Singh Yadav.
In his Valedictory address, Governor of Punjab & Administrator U.T. Chandigarh
Shri Shivraj V. Patil said that the contribution of the cooperative sector towards upliftment of the
grassroots was laudable and praiseworthy. He said the two-day deliberations of the Cooperative
Congress have come up with useful recommendations and the Government of India would give
all support to the Cooperative Sector. He also recommended that members of cooperatives and
society at large must also contribute towards taking the cooperative movement forward.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Cooperation, Chemical and Fertilizer, Statistics and Programme Implementation Shri Srikant
Kumar Jena said that in this competitive world the cooperatives must strive to compete with the
private sector and successfully meet the challenges of privatization and globalization. The
bottom-up approach from the grassroots to the top can create the best impact, he said.
In his welcome address, President NCUI, Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav said that the
two-day Cooperative Congress had come up with useful recommendations to further strengthen
the cooperative movement. Chief Executive, NCUI, Dr Dinesh presented the Congress
recommendations that call for effective steps to re-orient and increase efficiency across all
cooperative sectors. Among other recommendations are greater development of women
cooperatives, increased youth participation and skill development in cooperatives to build
leadership for the future, seeking financial support from the government for rehabilitation of sick
cooperatives, among several such measures that emerged from the deliberations held in the
technical sessions of the Cooperative Congress.
The Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society needed to be revitalise in the country to
provide better and effective service to the farmers, artisans and other member in the rural areas
said Shri Shivpal Singh Yadav, Cooperative Minister of U.P. He gave the example of Uttar
Pradesh where elections of the cooperative bodies have already been completed and
Vidhyanathan Package have been implemented to strengthen DCCBs and Primary level Credit
Cooperative.
An award ceremony was held at the valedictory function in which the Chief Guest, Shri
Shivraj Patil presented awards to the best Cooperative Societies in different sectors. Shri Patil
also released a book on Right to Information and Cooperatives at the valedictory function. The
two-day Cooperative Congress was attended by over 2000 delegates from India and abroad.
There are more than six lakh cooperative societies in the country covering 100% of the villages
and 75% of rural households. AMUL, KRIBHCO and IFFCO are the biggest success stories in
the cooperative sector. On this occasion KRIBHCO presented Rs. One Crore cheque to Union
Chemical & Fertiliser State Minister, Shri Srikant Jena for Prime Minister Relief Fund for helping
the victims of Uttarakhand disaster.
MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS
The 16th Indian Cooperative Congress deliberated on the various aspects of cooperation,
the issues and challenges that cooperative in general and various sector in particular face and
shared the view of eminent cooperative leader, practitioner and academicians. It has identified
several policy issues, policy initiatives, sectoral issues and issues related to HRD for
strengthening the cooperative on a stronger fold towards an autonomous, democratic,
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professional and economically sound manner. So that, Cooperative Enterprise Build a Better
World.
The Congress therefore, recommends the following major recommendations:
1.
Cooperatives must be managed by adequately trained and enthuastic members.
Cooperative empower people, build capacities and develop capability. The Congress
urges to the government for financial support for cooperative education and training
activities in India.
2.
While appreciating the government for enacting the 97th Constitutional Amendment
thereby creating an enabling environment for the development of the cooperatives. This
would further enable democratic, autonomous and professional working of the
cooperatives. By this amendment the right to form a cooperative society has now become
a fundamental right. But, to take initiatives further to the grassroot level the Congress
urges the state government to create enabling environment by amending state laws as
and when it is necessary.
3.
Cooperatives creates the job opportunities, sustainable livelihood for millions of people in
the farm sector and also has the capacity to reverse the rural urban migration.
4.
While appreciating the central government for giving to approval to amend Multi State
Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2010, the congress urges upon the government
to expedite passage of the bill. This would be an important step for safeguarding the multi
state cooperative societies and also creating a provision for revival of sick cooperatives for
their rehabilitation and reconstruction.
5.
The agriculture sector in India has a large number of Primary Agriculture Cooperative
Society handling supply of agriculture inputs, credit, marketing and storage capacity.
These cooperatives are organized by small and marginal farmers who face acute
knowledge gap and deficiency in inputs delivery system. The government of India and the
state government need to give adequate importance to the concept of cooperative
education and training so that the member of the PACS residing in the villages are able to
use modern technology, rural infrastructure and make use of market information and risk
management.
6.
Restoration of Income Tax reductions under Section 80 (P) of the Income Tax Act.
7.
More Vegetables and Fruit Cooperative Societies should be started through National
Horticulture Mission and they should link with Consumer Cooperatives.
8.
Steps shall be initiated to include a subject on “cooperation” at primary education.
9.
Action shall be initiated for the 50 per cent of the reservation for the women in
cooperatives.
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INAUGURAL FUNCTION
VALEDICTORY FUNCTION
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