Gyalshing, 10 February (IPR):
A review meeting of the Joint Working Committee was held at the Conference Hall at DAC, Rabdentse,today.
Chaired by Ms Rajani Sharma, ADC (Headquarters) Gyalshing, the meeting was attended by Dr NK Pradhan, Jt. General Manager(Sikkim Milk Union), Ms Laden Gensapa, JRCS (Cooperation)Gyalshing, Dr P Gurung AH & VS, Mr Palden Bhutia DRCS(Cooperation), Mr Ajit Gurung AO (Cooperation), Mr RakeshPradhan DRCS (Cooperative), Mr Sital Rai Auditor (Cooperative),Mr Lahang Limboo AD Fisheries, Mr Krishna Limboo DIO (IPRD),Mr Bishnu Prasad Sharma Manager MPCS Ltd., Mr Devendra Sharma Vice President (Gyalshing Kyongsa MPCS),Mr KarmaTshering Bhutia Branch Manager SISCO Bank Gyalshing and Assistant General Manager/DDM NABARD.
The meeting served as a crucial forum to assess and refine the action plans for the formation and advancement of Cooperative Societies, with a special focus on Multipurpose, Milk, and Fisheries Cooperatives.
In alignment with the Ministry of Cooperation’s guidelines, members took stock of the initiatives undertaken in previous committee meetings, evaluating progress and charting a clear path forward.
Leading the discussions, Ms Sharma meticulously reviewed the ongoing activities, offering a comprehensive assessment of the growth trajectory of cooperative societies in Gyalshing District. She highlighted key achievements while identifying areas requiring immediate attention, ensuring that cooperative development remained both strategic and inclusive.
After in-depth deliberations, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing development in remote areas, particularly in villages that face logistical and infrastructural challenges. As part of this mission, the ADC directed the organization of workshops in Karzee Mangnam, an area designated under the Aspirational Block programme. These workshops aim to educate and empower local stakeholders , fostering stronger cooperative networks that can drive sustainable economic growth.
One of the pressing concerns raised was the lack of robust connectivity affecting milk production in Karzee. With logistical challenges impeding efficient supply chains, the committee explored potential solutions to enhance connectivity, ensuring that local dairy farmers could bring their produce to market without undue hardship.
The issue of non-functional MPCSs was also brought to the table, prompting discussions on strategic revitalization measures. It was agreed that a well-structured proposal would be drafted to explore ways to repurpose or reintegrate these cooperatives into the broader economic framework, making them viable and beneficial for the local communities they were meant to serve. Another critical agenda point was the revival of fish farms in Maneybong Sopakha, which had suffered setbacks due to natural adversities.
The meeting also delved into expanding market opportunities for fisheries products. Members explored innovative strategies to enhance fish sales and distribution, with a particular emphasis on forging strategic partnerships.
It was suggested that future collaborations with SICUN could unlock new market avenues, improving both visibility and profitability for local fish farmers.
As the meeting drew to a close, the committee reached a unified consensus that significant progress had been made toward achieving the set targets. With a shared determination to complete the remaining objectives, members left the session with an ironclad resolve to drive forward the cooperative movement, ensuring that every initiative translates into tangible benefits for the people of Gyalshing