Other States - Rajasthan   

Experts see new role for cooperative sector

JAIPUR: A National Cooperative Conclave began here on Friday with a call for formulating a “common minimum programme” applicable to all States to ensure an active role of public-private partnership in the cooperative sector. Experts attending the conclave said this would expand and strengthen the cooperative movement.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, inaugurating the two-day conclave, affirmed that the cooperative sector – being the “voice of the common people” – should stop competing with big corporate houses and instead evolve partnership in the public-private domain.

Experts, academicians and Cooperative Secretaries and Registrars of Cooperative Societies from several States attended the convention, organised by the Rajasthan Government’s Cooperative Department.

Ms. Raje said the States should exchange information on new initiatives and strengthen relations to undertake common cooperative projects.

A common minimum programme in the sector would enable all States to make their contribution to evolve a common pool of expertise, she added.

Ms. Raje pointed out that cooperative societies in Rajasthan were working in the fields of agricultural development, marketing, consumer services and food processing.

“The cooperative sector now needs to break new ground and enter the spheres such as education, health care, information technology and fashion for development”.

Referring to the proposed “Rajgramya” scheme to be implemented through the Cooperative Department, Ms. Raje said it would promote rural tourism in a big way by taking tourists to remote villages to witness the local culture, food habits and livelihood options.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the NABARD’s recent decision to increase the rate of interest on loans.

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