65/2026-2027 

Dated Aizawl, 8 May 2026: A meeting of Cooperation Secretaries and Ministry of Cooperation in collaboration with NABARD and Cooperation Department, Government of Mizoram organised a Regional Workshop for North Eastern States on Cooperatives at Conference Hall of Assembly House Annexue, Aizawl. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Dr. Ashish Kumar Butani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.

Welcoming the participants, Mr. Udit Prakash Rai, Commissioner & Secretary of the Cooperation Department, Government of Mizoram, stated that such a gathering would greatly help Cooperative Societies in the North Eastern states to continue progressing. He highlighted that through various initiatives such as regional economic transformation, digital empowerment, and “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), development could be brought to both rural and urban areas.

A keynote address was delivered online by Dr. Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD in the inaugural session.He addressed the gathering and emphasized the important role played by Cooperative Societies and NABARD in ensuring inclusive and sustainable development in the North Eastern region. He stressed the need for Cooperative Societies to work actively in Sixth Schedule areas and remote districts to address local challenges effectively. He further stated that other states should learn from the successful experiences of Assam and Tripura.

Speaking on the initiatives undertaken by Cooperative Societies and NABARD, Mr. Shaji K. V. also mentioned that the Mizoram State Cooperative Bank has attained Scheduled Bank status and that the MPACS computerization programme is currently being implemented. He assured that technical and handholding support from NABARD would continue and expressed confidence that these efforts would bring balanced development to the North Eastern states.

The workshop focused on several key themes aimed at enhancing the cooperative ecosystem in the region. Discussions were held on strengthening value chains and market linkages through the role of national cooperative entities such as NCEL, NCOL, and BBSSL. Participants also deliberated on cooperative banking initiatives and the expectations from Northeastern States in expanding cooperative credit and financial inclusion. 

A major highlight of the workshop was the detailed discussion on the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan (WLGSP). The session focused on strategies for achieving storage targets, monitoring loan sanctioning processes under AMI, ensuring effective implementation frameworks for PACS, and improving financial viability and coordination among agencies. Presentations were made by NABARD regional offices, state representatives, and national institutions including FCI, NAFED, NCCF, CWC/SWC, and WDRA.

The workshop also featured a session by NEDFi on strategies for the development of cooperatives in the Northeastern Region, including the successful journey of Konoklota Mahila Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd., Jorhat, Assam.

During the session on innovative models and field-level successes, representatives from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim shared state-specific initiatives, best practices, policy responses, and growth strategies to strengthen cooperative institutions and improve market access for local products. Another important session focused on the formation and strengthening of cooperatives such as MPACS, MDCS, and other business affiliations. 

The workshop concluded with a session on strengthening state federations and outlining the way forward for cooperative development in the region. The concluding session included addresses by Shri Khili Ram Meena, Chief Secretary, Government of Mizoram, and Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.

The event reaffirmed the collective commitment of the Government of India, state governments, NABARD, and partner institutions towards promoting cooperative-led development and ensuring inclusive growth and prosperity across the Northeastern States under the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”.