The 12th Review Meeting of the Department of Cooperation was held on 23rd August 2024 at the RCS Conference Hall in Meriema, where the Commissioner & Secretary of the Cooperation Department, Kohima, Zarinthung Ezung emphasized the intrinsic connection between the rights and duties of government employees. “It is a government servant’s right to receive a salary, but it is equally our responsibility to fulfil our duties diligently. Rights and duties go hand in hand,” he remarked.

Ezung encouraged the officers to lead by example, highlighting the importance of effective coordination with staff, administration, and allied departments. He underscored three key focus areas for the department: the computerization of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to enhance efficiency and transparency; a robust recovery drive in collaboration with the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB) to improve financial health and accountability; and a thorough audit of Cooperative Societies to ensure proper functioning and compliance.

The meeting commenced with the reading and approval of the minutes from the 11th review meeting by Thungchanbeni Patton, Joint Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Head Office. Patton called for a unified effort among officers to advance the department’s policies and objectives.

Subsequent to this, officers from various districts presented their reports. Imsunungsang, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS), Head Office, provided an update on the recovery status for the period from 1st May 2023 to 16th August 2024. He encouraged the district representatives to strive for improved results in future reviews. This was followed by a report from Imnanukshi, Joint RCS, Head Office, on the audit status and cancellation of defunct Primary Cooperative Societies across all districts. He stressed the need for significant improvements in these areas.

Akangjongshi, DRCS, Head Office, discussed a recent initiative by the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) where a national database has been established to streamline access to data, making policy formulation for cooperative societies more efficient and informed.

R. Bendang, Joint RCS, Head Office, provided insights into upcoming programs and convergence initiatives aimed at enhancing the cooperative sector’s impact through integrated efforts across various government departments.

The review meeting was by officers and representatives from all districts of Nagaland, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing the department’s mission and improving the cooperative sector across the state.