Saitual, Mizoram, Jan 16, 2025: Amit Sharma, Secretary to the Government, Cooperation Department, Mizoram, undertook a significant visit to Saitual, a strategically located northeastern district sharing an international border with Myanmar and a state border with Manipur. This maiden visit coincided with the ongoing International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, as proclaimed by the United Nations under the theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” Accompanied by John Sanga, Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Mizoram, and other senior officials, the visit marked a pivotal moment in promoting cooperative development in the region.
During a meeting at the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Saitual, who also serves as the Chairman of the District Cooperative Development Committee (DCDC), Secretary Sharma engaged with the district administration and several Chairpersons of successful Cooperative Societies. The DC welcomed the delegation and presented various initiatives taken within the cooperative sector. Chairpersons of Multiple Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Societies (MPACS) shared their success stories, which were met with commendation from Secretary Sharma and the RCS.
Secretary Sharma emphasized the importance of the United Nations’ 2025 cooperative theme and stressed its implementation in both letter and spirit. To achieve this, he announced that an awareness and sensitization drive would be rolled out across all districts of Mizoram under his and the RCS’s leadership, with Saitual being the inaugural district. The initiative aims to bolster cooperative development at the grassroots level, fostering economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Acknowledging the issues raised during the meeting, Secretary Sharma assured the DC that the demand for a new district cooperative office in Saitual would be assessed by the RCS team to strengthen administrative and operational support for cooperative initiatives. He highlighted the need to encourage more farmers to avail themselves of loans and assistance provided by NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation). Additionally, he emphasized the importance of establishing Common Service Centers (CSCs), Jan Aushadi Kendras, and other facilities within MPACS to enhance accessibility and services for the local population.
The visit also included on-ground assessments of several old and newly formed MPACS. Secretary Sharma expressed satisfaction with their performance and commended the members for their dedication. Society members, in turn, appreciated the unprecedented high-level visit and the hands-on approach, which they described as a first in the region’s history.
This visit follows Secretary Sharma’s recent participation in a Regional Review Meeting led by the Union Secretary of Cooperation in Gujarat. During the meeting, he highlighted Mizoram’s cooperative potential and outlined initiatives being implemented in the state. He also stressed the need for special focus on the region to unlock its unique potential and establish exemplary MPACS models.
The visit to Saitual represents a critical step in reinvigorating the cooperative movement in Mizoram. With its emphasis on grassroots engagement, infrastructure development, and financial accessibility, the initiatives aim to not only strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in the state but also align with the global cooperative vision of creating a better world
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