Shillong, November 19 : The Cooperation Department, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. (MCAB) and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), celebrated the 72nd All India Cooperative Week today at Mawkhlam, Nongpyndeng, in West Khasi Hills District.
The event, held under the national theme “Cooperatives as Vehicles for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” was graced by Methodius Dkhar, Minister in charge of Cooperation, as the Chief Guest.
In his keynote address, Minister Methodius Dkhar emphasized the government’s vision to bridge the gap between administration and grassroots communities, calling on cooperatives to be the drivers of inclusive economic growth.
“We are delighted to learn that around 50–60 cooperative societies here have already created employment opportunities. Your aspiration to generate jobs for 400–500 people is commendable,” he said. He added that the government will continue to recognize and support cooperatives that contribute meaningfully to society, reaffirming that the department’s goal is to bring governance closer to the people.
During the ceremony, the Minister felicitated the best-performing cooperative societies from various districts, acknowledging their impact on employment generation and local economic development.
Richard Yanthan, IAS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, highlighted the intrinsic link between Meghalaya’s community culture and the cooperative movement. “The cooperative spirit in Meghalaya is not new — as a tribal society, we have always come together in times of need, celebration, and joy,” he said.
He also underlined the significance of holding the event in Nongstoin, noting the region’s key role in agriculture and livestock sectors. Calling for modernization, Yanthan urged cooperatives to embrace digital tools and informed that the state will soon launch its Cooperative Vision Document and Policy to strengthen governance and transparency in the sector.
C.P. Mawkon, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Nongstoin, described the event as a vital platform to remind citizens of the role cooperatives play in fostering unity and collective progress. He remarked, “The need for cooperative societies stems from our shared goal of working together for sustainable development.”
Adding to this, Shanlang Warjri, Chairman of Pyndengumiong MPSC Ltd., shared the journey of reviving their cooperative with government support. He said, “We started small, handling integrated farming, piggery, and furniture businesses. Our vision now is to create jobs for nearly 300–500 people.”
Following the formal inauguration, a technical session led by the Management of Cooperative Training Institute (MCTI) was held to educate participants on “Awareness & Mobilization of Farming Cooperative Societies.” The session included interactive discussions to address challenges faced by cooperators in rural areas.
The event concluded with cultural performances by the Khatwei Cluster Level Federation Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. and Suk Ban Rep IVCS Ltd., adding a festive spirit to the occasion.
