Kamalanagar, 18th November 2024: The 71st All India Cooperative Week was observed today in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) with a programme organized by the Co-operation Department at the CADC Rest House Conference Hall, Kamalanagar. Dg. Supon Chakma, i/c Chief Executive Member, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary; former MDCs; senior officials; representatives from local NGOs; and Village Council members.

Dg. Bhanu Dhan Chakma, Deputy Registrar of the Co-operation Department, in his speech, provided a brief introduction to the historical origins of the All India Cooperative Week and its observance. He highlighted the Government of India’s vision of transforming the nation into a Vikshit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and emphasized the crucial role that cooperative movements can play in realizing this vision, particularly among the rural masses who constitute over 60% of India’s total populace.

In his address, Dg. Supon Chakma, Chief Guest, expressed concern over the extremely small number of registered cooperatives in CADC, which is currently only 7 as per official record. He noted that this suggested a lack of awareness about the potential benefits of cooperatives among the community. He called for initiatives to raise mass awareness about these benefits to encourage the establishment of more cooperative societies in CADC.

Other officials, including Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary; Dg. Inglon Chakma, Local Administration Officer; and Dg. Prabin Chakma, Planning & Development Officer, along with representatives from local NGOs and Village Councils, shared their perspectives on how cooperatives could contribute to economic development, enhance social empowerment, and promote self-reliance within the community.