In a welcome initiative aimed at revitalizing the cooperative movement in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the NCUI, in collaboration with the Department of Cooperatives of the UT, organized a pivotal two-day workshop on “Promotion and Development of Cooperatives in Ladakh” from August 30th to 31st, 2024.
The event, held at The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) in Leh, marked a significant milestone as the first major cooperative workshop in Ladakh since its designation as a Union Territory. The workshop, under the leadership of NCUI President Dileep Sanghani, underscored the organization’s unwavering commitment to fostering the cooperative movement across India, with a special focus on regions with unique socio-economic dynamics like Ladakh.
The initiative not only aims to fortify existing cooperatives but also to spark the formation of new ones, thereby empowering local communities and tapping into Ladakh’s distinctive strengths, such as its natural biodiversity and organic produce.
The event witnessed the participation of over 250 co-operators from the Leh and Kargil districts, alongside representatives from cooperatives in Jammu and Kashmir and officials from the NCDC, NDDB and NABARD. The presence of these key stakeholders set the stage for what could be a transformative era in Ladakh’s cooperative sector.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Sudhir Mahajan highlighted the critical initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, and the key role NCUI plays in aligning these initiatives with the local context. He emphasized NCUI’s pivotal projects, including the NCUI Haat, Cooperative Fair, and E-commerce platform, all designed to revolutionize cooperative education and training across the country.
Shri Dileep Sanghani, in his address, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, a move that will extend the benefits of central and state government schemes to the grassroots. He urged local leaders and cooperators to capitalize on Ladakh’s vast potential, particularly its biodiversity, by forming a Ladakh Cooperative Union and establishing training centers dedicated to enhancing the skills of cooperative members.
Shri Sanghani also highlighted the Government of India’s holistic approach to uplifting marginalized
Chief Guest Dr. Pawan Kotwal lauded the NCUI’s efforts, stressing the importance of structured interventions to build a robust cooperative ecosystem in Ladakh. He provided a comparative analysis of different development models, ultimately advocating for the cooperative model as a sustainable and culturally aligned path for Ladakh’s development. He also announced in-principle approval for the establishment of a Cooperative Union in Ladakh, along with cooperative training centers to bolster the region’s cooperative infrastructure.
In the closing session, Shri Sajjad Quadri, JKAS, delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the collaborative spirit and dedication of all participants. He emphasized that the insights shared during the workshop will play a crucial role in driving socio-economic development through cooperation in Ladakh.
This workshop, spearheaded by NCUI, represents a significant step towards realizing the vision of “Sahakar se Samruddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), setting the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous cooperative movement in Ladakh.