Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 15:
A one-day block level seminar on 'Empowerment of women tribals and participation of youths in co-operatives' was organised by NCUI-Co-operative Education Field Project, Bishnupur at Konthoujam Maning Leikai today.
Pradhan of Konthoujam Gram Panchayat K Angoubi Devi and chairman of National Co-operative Union of India, Manipur Kh Borekishore Singh inaugurated the seminar as chief guest and president respectively.
Principal of ICM Imphal P Chattapodhay and Deputy Director of National Co-operative Union of India TS Mehta were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.
Presenting a paper on 'Developmental schemes for tribal women's empowerment', Sub-Registrar of Co-operative Societies Kh Tomba Singh pointed out the concept of self help groups which was initiated by Professor Yunus of Bangladesh in 1976 to rehabilitate the poor and cyclone ravaged villages of that country has spread to all over the world today.
It was in recognition of his outstanding services that Prof Yunus was honoured with Nobel Peace Prize for 2006.Taking a cue from the experience of Prof Yunus, people in Manipur which has rich resources should come together to form self help groups for economic sustenance, Tomba said.
While informing that self help groups can available micro-credit loans, subsidy and grant from various financial institutions including RBI, NABARD through DRDA, Tomba added that such facilities would also be availed through IRDP and National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme of the Central Government.
Faculty member of ICM, Imphal Dr KI Meetei who also presented a paper on 'Participation of Youths in co-operatives for employment generation' during the seminar, observed that required capital for any income generating ventures could be mobilised.
Coming together for such income generating ventures also help in promoting work culture.
It also help in facilitating marketing of the products and face any sort of competition in the area.
Describing some of areas in which the youths could participate in the co-operatives for employment generation, Dr KI Meetei mentioned sericulture, dairy, fishery, poultry and other small scale cottage industries.
The enthusiasm of the youths in participation in the co-operative ventures would also be increased after they know and gain the skill of making the plan and its execution, he added.