KATHMANDU, APRIL 5

Various speakers have highlighted the need to develop smart cooperatives for enhanced competitiveness in the industry.

The speakers said this at a workshop organised by Gaindakot Municipality and Cooperative Coordination Forum, Gaindakot, on the occasion of the 64th Cooperative Day yesterday. Inaugurating the workshop, Gaindakot Mayor Chhatraraj Poudel said the municipality would support the cooperatives to grow to effectively implement the state-sponsored three-pillar economy for transformation of people's lives.

'Such a debate will help the municipality frame people-friendly cooperative policy,' he added.

While presenting a working paper on 'Challenges and way forward for cooperatives' former president of VYCCU Savings and Credit Cooperative Keshab Prasad Sapkota said the smart cooperative coupled with use of technology and effective reserve fund would make them competitive in the industry.

'Smart cooperatives means smart board, smart management and smart members as well as sound institutional measures,' he said, calling for cooperatives to bridge the gap between rich and poor and increase investment in research.

Cooperative Development Board's Co-chair Dakshya Poudel, presenting a working paper 'Role of local level in the development of cooperatives', said local governments should take the cooperative education to each household as it would help strengthen the ideals and actions of socialism.

While presenting a paper 'Need of technology in Cooperatives' former CEO of NEFSCUN Shivajee Sapkota said the cooperative organisation should be visible in at least 50 fronts.

A version of this article appears in the print on April 6, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.