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2012 is United Nations International Year of Cooperatives
Submitted by mffocus on Fri, 12/30/2011 - 02:17
Microfinance Focus, December 30, 2011: The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration.
With the theme of “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World”, the Year seeks to encourage the growth and establishment of cooperatives all over the world. It also encourages individuals, communities and governments to recognize the agency of cooperatives in helping to achieve internationally agreed upon development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals
The United Nations General Assembly Resolution encourages all member States, the United Nations and all relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the IYC to promote cooperatives and raise awareness of their contribution to social and economic development and promote the formation and growth of cooperatives.
The resolution also invites governments and international organizations, in collaboration with cooperatives and cooperative organizations, to promote, the growth of agricultural cooperatives through easy access to affordable finance, adoption of sustainable production techniques, investments in rural infrastructure and irrigation, strengthened marketing mechanisms and support for the participation of women in economic activities.
International Year of Cooperatices: Indian Intiatives
Indian cooperative credit structure which complted 100 years in 2004 has the unfathomable potential to reduce poverty, generate employment and bring inclusive growth. what is called for is speedy implementation of revivai package of coopertives as recommended by the Vaidyanathan Task Force in 2004.
Besides, it is now time for State Governments to demonstrate their concern, commitment and capabilities to make cooperatives totally free from political interference and put in all endeavors to run them professionally, well managed financially and organizationally. Mahatma Gndhijee brought political freedom for India and our people in 1947 but State Governments failed miserably to bring economic emancipation for the poor and low income households. All India Rural Credit Survey Report in 1954 stated very clearly " cooperation has failed but there is no alternative to cooperative movement which has to succeed". AMUL in Gujarat is role model if we wish to replicate all our country in all critical areas of econmy. We have the skill to do the job but we do not have will to do the job. Let us share with World Council of Credit Unions, Agricole, France, Rabobank of Netherlans and Landbanks of Germany. Dr Amrit Patel, Edison, NJ 08837 USA [732-553-0825
Cannot be a better theme
The role cooperatives play in the inclusion of the deprived who have some resourcefulness to offer cannot be assumed. The common interest that forms cooperatives has been cited as a stabling block by many who do not see service and knowledge as a common interest.
A time has come when knowledge, and service to goal orientation help realize the development agenda. And with the shareholding not being the critical contributor to opinions being shared, the youth and women are well with this entity.
The challenge is to the promoters of cooperative institutions to ensure that the driving by-laws articulate the driving agenda of the the cooperative.
You can count me in and my contribution to this year's agenda shall be total.
I am honored to be here...
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