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| The National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) an apex organization of Indian
Cooperative Movement celebrates and sponsors All India Cooperative Week every year from
14th to 20th November to propagate the cooperative ideology and spirit in the country. In 2009, the Indian Cooperative Movement had celebrated 56th All India Cooperative Week on
nation-wide scale. The noble objective behind the week long celebrations was giving an
Opportunity to all the cooperative institutions in India to review their progress, problems and
highlight their achievements, policies and programmes besides developing a road map for
further growth and development of cooperative sector in the wake of economic slow-down.
The commencement of cooperative week also coincides with the birthday of Late Pt.
Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of modern India who was well aware of the relevance of
cooperatives in building the nation. The cooperative movement, nurtured by national leaders
like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and others right from pre-independence
days has always recognized the crucial role played by it in improving the plight of poor
farmers and other vulnerable sections of the society. On the occasion of cooperative week
the cooperators, leaders, farmers, workers and cooperative employees etc. rededicate
themselves to cooperative values and principles, commit themselves to the cause of
cooperative movement and harness the benefits of cooperative business model in servingthe nation. |
| In 2009 the cooperative week was celebrated with the theme “Cooperativesas an Efficient and Effective Business Model in Global Economic Slow-Down”. The
theme is relevant when economies of the world and cooperative movements in various
Countries are facing the worst phase of slow-down and economic recession. It may be noted
that most of the cooperatives in India are unaffected with the impact of the slow-down.
Rather the organizations like IFFCO, KRIBHCO, AMUL and other cooperatives have not only
witnessed rapid growth in their turnovers and profits but also have shown stability and
sustainability in the economic slowdown. This was possible due to our faith and trust in
cooperative values and principles. In today's context the cooperative model based on trust
and values is more relevant than the capitalist model where profit is the sole motive of the
organization. The cooperatives have been the most effective and efficient organization even
in the period of slow down as they have diversified in new areas and have come up with joint
ventures of all types. In fact economic slowdown has given an opportunity to cooperatives
that they can successfully compete with other form of business organizations. |
| The cooperative model of economy has proved to be the safe and secure model
which can provide a ray of hope to the common masses. Due to strong roots in the
community in which the cooperatives are embedded, the cooperative model is governed by
community consciousness. The cooperative model of development is unique as it does not
depend on external influences like stock markets. It is a model which is owned and controlled
by the people. The democratic principles of cooperatives are its life-blood. Every step is
taken to ensure that the cooperatives do not fall prey to the evil influences of market.
However, the present economic crisis shows that the cooperative model of development can
fulfill the aspirations of the common people. The policy initiatives of the government in every
field must explore the possibility of involving cooperatives so that the inherent strengths of
cooperatives are allowed to flourish. |
| The cooperative movement in India has had a very long and illustrious history.
During these 105 years, the movement has diversified manifold and has played a significant
role in bringing about important socio-economic changes in different sectors of the
economy. It is now a major force in important sectors like sugar, dairy, credit and fertilizers.
Several cooperative brands have already become a house-hold name, not only in India but
also abroad. However, with the advent of the market economy, the functioning of
cooperatives has undergone a change. They are now transformed through adoption of
professional, financial and administrative skills. The cooperative movement has proved to be
an effective economic development model, which ensures inclusive growth.
Cooperative activities need to be carried out with credibility in order to win the
confidence of the public. It is also necessary to take note of the emerging problems and
realities and to equip oneself to cope up with such challenges effectively and with
confidence. The Cooperative Week Celebrations should be marked with debates and
deliberations on the theme of the cooperative week; the general public should be motivated
to join the cooperative movement to strengthen the economy by making the cooperative
movement truly as a people's movement. |
| During this week long celebrations cooperatives may organize awareness camps,
seminars, road shows, exhibitions and publicize their achievements so that the contribution
of cooperative movement is highlighted and projected in a most effective manner. Every year broad
guidelines of the celebration of All India Cooperative Week will be laid out date wise by NCUI. Based on these guidelines, the state cooperative unions, district unions, state level cooperative federations, Institutes of Cooperative Management, Regional Institutes of Cooperative Management, Junior Cooperative Training Centre’s may chalk out a comprehensive plan for celebration of the Cooperative Week. |
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