Lumbini Chief Minister Acharya Calls for Greater Transparency in Cooperative Sector

Butwal. Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chetnarayan Acharya has stated that it is essential to make the cooperative sector more reliable and transparent.

Speaking at an award distribution ceremony for outstanding cooperatives organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives in Rapti Valley (Deukhuri) on Friday to mark the 69th National Cooperative Day, Chief Minister Acharya clarified that the entire cooperative sector is facing scrutiny due to the malicious intentions of a few individuals.

He asserted that cooperatives operated with bad intentions are bringing disrepute to the sector and noted that such institutions are being strictly regulated. 'Cooperatives with wrong objectives have put the sector under suspicion,' he said. 'There are examples of people coming from outside and embezzling funds. The public associated with the Supreme Cooperative in Butwal is currently stranded; serious questions have been raised about where that money went and who took it.'

Chief Minister Acharya expressed satisfaction with the significant role cooperatives have played in making the lives of the general public easier. 'By eliminating the need to rely on moneylenders, small financial needs are being met through cooperatives,' he said.

Noting that capital equivalent to the provincial government's budget is being mobilized through cooperatives, Chief Minister Acharya stated that they have also made a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of the province.

This year, Cooperative Day was celebrated with the slogan 'Entrepreneurship and Transparency: Priority of Cooperatives.' During the event, Minister of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives Dinesh Panthi informed that work is being done by balancing both the promotion and regulation of the cooperative sector.

Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Kapri emphasized the need to adopt good practices in cooperatives and create an environment where problems do not arise. He stated that coordination and an integrated working style among the three tiers of government are necessary.

Manju Pandey, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry's Administration and Cooperative Development Division, informed that the problems seen in the cooperative sector are being gradually resolved.

Five Cooperatives Awarded in Four Categories

The Lumbini Province government has awarded five cooperative institutions in four different categories. Based on indicators of pulse, MCI, and good governance, these cooperatives were awarded 25,000 rupees each along with certificates.

In the Savings and Credit Cooperative category, Kisan Kamaiya Kalyan Savings and Credit Cooperative Ltd., Thakurdwara-5, Bardiya, and Rapti Vishwasi Savings and Credit Cooperative Ltd., Tulsipur-6, Dang were awarded.

In the Multipurpose Cooperative category, Paschim Nepal Yatayat Multipurpose Cooperative Ltd., Butwal-4, Rupandehi; in the Producer Cooperative category, Utkrista Sana Kisan Krishi Cooperative Ltd., Rapti Sonari-8, Banke; and in the Consumer Cooperative category, Tulsi Consumer Cooperative Ltd., Tulsipur-6, Dang were awarded.

At the event, Tikaram Pokhrel, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Provincial Cooperative Development Board, stated that the cooperative sector is being organized and that there is a need to amend laws and regulations to keep them timely. Secretary of the Provincial Cooperative Union Rup Bahadur Khatri, District Cooperative Union Bardiya President Navraj Dhungana, and others also expressed their best wishes.