Nagaland State Co-operative Union observes Cooperative Week

Nagaland State Co-operative Union (NSCU), Dimapur, joined the rest of the country in observing the 72nd All India Cooperative Week (AICW) at its conference hall on Friday. The week-long celebration, held from November 14 to 20, is being observed nationwide under the theme “Cooperatives as Vehicles for Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The programme was graced by retired Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Tiyongmeren Jamir, as special guest, who also hoisted the cooperative flag.
Delivering the introductory speech, NSCU CEO Imnanukshi stated that the All India Cooperative Week is celebrated annually by the National Cooperative Union of India to promote cooperative ideology across the country. He noted that the 72nd edition is being marked through workshops, seminars and contests aimed at strengthening cooperative awareness and addressing emerging challenges.
He highlighted the Ministry of Cooperation’s role since its establishment in 2021, including policy reforms, sector-wide computerization, and expansion of services through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). He also mentioned the launch of the National Cooperation Policy 2025 to guide the movement over the next decade.
Imnanukshi emphasized that this year’s theme reflects the role of cooperatives in achieving a self-reliant India, particularly in agriculture, rural credit, micro-enterprises and women’s empowerment. He said cooperatives are key to inclusive growth, equitable resource distribution and collective prosperity.
Addressing the gathering, special guest Tiyongmeren Jamir noted that while cooperatives in Nagaland are still developing, progress is ongoing. He compared the state’s cooperative sector with those in mainland India, citing Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited) as a successful model. Recalling his 2004 visit to Chandigarh and Maharashtra, he described the scale of cooperative operations as impressive.
Tiyongmeren traced the origins of Nagaland’s cooperative movement to 1946, with two societies registered under the Assam Cooperative Act of 1949. Following statehood in 1963, the sector became a major department by 1967. He said over 9,000 cooperatives are registered across various sectors, but many face challenges due to limited capital, manpower and infrastructure.
He informed that the Nagaland State Cooperative Act was drafted in 2017 to replace the Assam Act, and though passed, its rules are still under process. He expressed hope for full implementation tailored to local needs.
Tiyongmeren also outlined the seven guiding principles of cooperatives and stressed the need for supervision, training and active community involvement to overcome financial and operational constraints.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NSCU president Kedoutsolhi Wetsah, who delivered the welcome address. Invocation was offered by Vinush Angami, and the vote of thanks was proposed by NSCU vice president Mohokiya Apon.