2012 IS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF CO-OPERATIVES

2012 IS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF CO-OPERATIVES

In the passing of Resolution A/RES/64/136, the UN General Assembly declared 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, and  in particular, recognizing their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration.
The declaration of ‘International Years’ by the UN is a move to alert consciousness to the major issues of concern and to encourage action by potential key players. In this regard, the International Year of Cooperatives has three main objectives:

1. To increase public awareness about cooperatives and their contribution to socio-economic development and the achievement of internationally agreed development goals,
2. To promote the formation and growth of cooperatives for socioeconomic empowerment; and
3. To provide an enabling environment with policies, laws and regulation conducive to the formation, growth and stability of independent co-operatives.

On the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives in 2012, Sahakar Bharti, India premier cooperative organisation have organised an Internation Conference on Co-operatives in Bhopal on 9^th and 10^th February, 2012.

Sahakarsutra supports Sahakar Bharti in organising the Conference.

A Note on the International Conference

Sahakar Bharati and the Government of Madhya Pradesh are jointly organizing International Conference of Co-operatives on 9th & 10th February 2012, at Bhopal, the venue being, Minto Hall (Old MP Assembly Hall).

Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhni, UN recognized NGO with Special Consultative status will collaborate in organizing the above Conference.

The theme of the 2 day International Conference would be "Co-operatives for Economic and Social Change".

The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared the year 2012 as the International Year of Co-Operatives. The Conference is being organized as a part the International Year of Co-operatives.

The Conference is being held on the background of economic meltdown of 2008/9, the impact of which is still undiminished and has affected all countries, both Developed and Developing.

Studies have revealed that even in Developed countries, Market Mechanism has failed and has become all the more dysfunctional in the continuing volatile economic conditions.

The meltdown has also brought forth succinctly the limitations of the Governments and its Administrative arms to meet the expectations of its citizens which has resulted in mass dissatisfaction and consequent political upheavals across the globe.

One of the most notable features that has emerged and is now acknowledged is that the Co-operatives were not only not affected by economic slowdown but they remained vibrant and provided variety of services and products at competitive rates. At the same time, they have emerged financially stronger.

In the last few years, the Co-operatives in several countries have diversified and ventured into newer areas like Rural Telephony ,Insurance, Electricity Distribution, Water Management & Distribution to name a few, besides continuing excellent work in areas of Marketing, Dairy, Agro processing, Credit delivery to the Farm sector, etc.

Unfortunately, the Indian Co-operative movement has been stagnating and has not been able to innovate itself with the changing times. As a consequence, despite being the world’s largest Co-operative movement, it has not been able to play an effective role for the benefit of the underprivileged.

International Year of Cooperation 2012 offers us in India a big opportunity to understand and study the phenomenal growth of this Sector in several other countries and initiate steps for rapid socio-economic change in our society.

It is high time that our Policy makers and Administrators are also enlightened about the potential of the Co-Operatives as a viable Economic Enterprise.

The Conference also aims at building a consensus amongst the Policy makers and Administrators to provide Autonomy and Operational Freedom by enacting a facilitating Economic and Legal environment, particularly, as it will speed up the growth process through active and voluntary participation of masses all over the world, including India.

Apart from the Inaugural and Concluding Sessions, there will be other sessions where eminent world renowned personalities from the relevant fields will share their rich experience with the delegates.

The Government of Madhya Pradesh has appointed Hon. Shri Gouri Shankar Bisen, Minister for Co-operation and Shri Subhash Mandge, National General Secretary as the Convener and Jt Convener of the Organizing Committee constituted to host the International Conference at Bhopal.

Shri Suresh Prabhu, veteran Cooperator and former Union Minister will be the Mentor and the Chief Organizer of the International Conference.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Apart from Inaugural Session, there will be other sessions where eminent personalities will present their papers. An exhibition is also planned at the venue of the Conference. A Souvenir will be published on this occasion. A Cultural program, based on the rich cultural heritage of India will be presented on the first day of the Conference.

Invitations have been extended to all the National level Co-operative Institutions of all the Nation members of the International Co-operative Alliance.

ABOUT SAHAKAR BHARATI

Sahakar Bharati is a non-political All India NGO, having network of Branches and members in all States in India.

Its aims and objects include enlightening the masses about the benefits of the cooperative movement, encouraging, educating, advising the people at all levels to promote, form and run Co-operative Societies.

All through the year, Sahakar Bharati organizes Seminars, Conferences, Workshops, Camps, Lecture series, etc. for the benefit of Office Bearers as well as employees of Co-operatives Societies. Sahakar Bharati also publishes journals in six languages.

For better understanding and resolution of issues peculiar to a particular sector, Sahakar Bharati has formed Cells at various levels relating to Rural Co-ops, Thrift and Credit Socs, Urban Banks, Fisheries, Self Help Groups, Dairy Socs, Housing Socs and so on.

For more details contact:

Coordinator,
International Conference, Secretariat,
Mumbai,
Mob:- 09820067956
Email:- chaitrak7@gmail.com

Sahakar Bharati
TEL Off :-02512493678, MOB Off:-09819317177
E MAIL:- sahakarbharati1@gmail.com

And

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