CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN UTTARAKHAND

CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN UTTARAKHAND

As told by Maj. Gen. (Retd.) B.C. Khanduri
Chief Minister

We wish you a very peaceful and prosperous 2009.

Thanks and we also wish you a Happy 2009.

Tell us about the progress in the co-operative sector in your state till date.

During this year, elections to all Co-operative Institutions from Primary to Apex have been completed peacefully.

· Agriculture credit increased from Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 350 crore.
· Agricultural loans disbursed at the interest rate of 5% upto loans of Rs. 5000.00 and at 5.5% above Rs. 5000.00.
· Mini Banks have been established in 453 out of 756 Primary Agriculture Co-operative Credit Societies. Thus, the number of Mini Banks increased from 98 to 453 in new state.
· Deposits of Mini Banks increased from Rs. 110 Crore to Rs. 450 Crore.
· All the 10 District Central Co- operative Banks are in profit.
· At the time of formation of the state, 2 District Central Co-operative Banks were under Section 11 of B.R. Act. Now no bank is under Section 11.
· Deposits of District Central Co-operative Banks increased from Rs. 1500 Crore to Rs. 2500 Crore.

Three State level Apex Institution, such as State Co-operative Bank, State Co-operative Federation and State Resham Federation instituted.

· Business of Co-operative Drug Factory (Unit of State Co-operative Federation) increased from Rs. 45 lakhs to Rs. 10 Crore.
· New State Co-operative Act and Rules framed.
· New Self Reliant Coop. Act incorporated in Uttarakhand.
· About 450 Co-operatives registered under new Self Reliant Act.
· Mahila Bachat Samooh established. About 1100 groups formed and a deposit of Rs. 3 Crore deposited by groups.
· Computerization of all Co-operative Banks under process.
· All small & marginal farmers and BPL farmers are proposed to be insured under Narayan Krishak Kavach upto Rs. 50000.00. Premium is paid by State Govt.

What role can the Cooperative Sector play in the economic development of the State?

Providing Agriculture loan at the rate of 5% helps in the development of farmers.

Can you tell us something about the plans & programmes your government has prepared for the development of Cooperative sector in your state?

· For the development of Co-operative movement in state the following new schemes have been initiated.
· Mini Banks in all Primary Agriculture Co-operative Credit Societies.
· 5% Rate of interest for farmers on agriculture loans.
· Enhancement in the cash credit limit for farmers.
· Insurance Coverage.
· Computerization in phased manner.

How can the Cooperative Movement play an important role in various sectors of the economy so far untouched?

Co-operative Sector will venture into marketing of local produce (mainly organic crops) in an appreciable way.

Do you think that the cooperative Movement can become an ideal tool for economic development of backward, minority, and tribal communities?

Coop. Sector has an important role to play in the development of the poor including SC/ST.

SC/ST special societies can be formed to help sell their produce and therefore, will help in their economic development.

What activities have been undertaken through the ICDP (Integrated Cooperative Development Project) in you state?

Under ICDP programme, construction of godowns is being carried out to increase storage capacity. Handloom Co-operatives are given working capital. Share capital for society like Primary Agriculture Credit Co-operative Societies, Horticulture and Sericulture etc. is also being provided.

Have the Vaidyanathan Committee's recommendations been implemented in your state? In what manner the state has been benefitted from them ? If yet not implemented, what are the hurdles being faced in its implementation?

A MOU between State and GOI has been signed and Implementation is under process. Co-operative Act is being amended as per the terms of MOU accordance to the Vaidyanathan Committee report.

What message would you like to give to the people of your state?

Strengthen and nourish Co-operative Movement to revive rural economy and enliven community spirit.

From Sahakar Srijan