Pathsala (Assam): Two Cooperative Literacy Camps were successfully organised in Bajali district’s Bamunpara, Kharadhara, and Barbang Choukhuty villages to mark the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC).
The initiative aimed to raise awareness among newly formed Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (mPACS) and foster rural economic development through cooperatives.
The camps were part of the ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ program, a nationwide mission launched by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, with support from NABARD.
The initiative seeks to strengthen grassroots cooperatives and promote sustainable economic progress in rural areas.
NABARD collaborated with the Nalbari Rural Development Association (NRDA), the Resource Support Agency (Assam Cooperative Apex Bank), and other stakeholders to organize the events.
Under this mission, NABARD and the RSA Assam Cooperative Apex Bank, in association with the NRDA, facilitated the formation of four new multipurpose PACS in Bajali district.
The Cooperative Literacy Camps were conducted in two of these societies, drawing active participation from local stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Addressing the gatherings, NABARD Bajali’s District Development Manager, Ankita Modhukalya, underscored the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives and the objectives of the ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ initiative.
She highlighted the roles and responsibilities of PACS members and emphasised the long-term benefits of efficient cooperative management.
Modhukalya also elaborated on NABARD’s funding schemes available to mPACS.
The Branch Manager of Assam Cooperative Apex Bank, Pathsala, shared insights on accessing banking services and credit facilities through mPACS.
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Officials from the District Industries and Commerce Centre (DICC) informed attendees about government schemes such as PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme) and PMFME (Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises), encouraging rural entrepreneurs and cooperative members to utilise these opportunities.
Participants also benefitted from Financial Literacy Camps, which focused on essential financial practices, including savings, responsible borrowing, and digital transactions.
The events concluded with expressions of gratitude from local stakeholders, who urged members to make the most of the resources and schemes discussed during the sessions.
