SICUN holds its 61st board meeting

PAKYONG,  (IPR): The 61st Board Meeting of Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN) was held at the conference hall of SICUN, Assam Lingzey today. The meeting primarily focused on discussing various aspects of the cooperative union's operations and their impact on uplifting the organisation.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Mangal Jit Rai, SICUN chairman, emphasised various objectives and agendas that the organisation has set to achieve, highlighting that the institution would foster and expand the cooperative sector.

He underlined that SICUN aims to create a platform to strengthen grassroots cooperatives and promote self-reliance, further also providing training programmes for cooperatives and enhancing the cooperative community.

Subsequently, Gloria Namchu, secretary Cooperation department, stressed the importance of strengthening the collaboration among various cooperatives for holistic development. In addition, she informed that the department would facilitate the process and encourage the Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (MPCS), among various regions, to register themselves with the institution to promote unity and bring collective growth within the sector.

Further, Rohan Agawane, DC Pakyong emphasised the need to focus on high-value products such as turmeric and honey, sharing the importance of enhancing the quality of these items for the export market and increasing their production volume. Furthermore, he assured to provide the necessary assistance to the organisation in achieving their objectives in the coming days.

At the onset, Phadung Bhutia, CEO SICUN, provided a comprehensive review of the various activities and actions taken in response to the agendas discussed at the 60th Board meeting. Additionally, each agenda was discussed in brief, allowing for a detailed analysis of progress and challenges faced along the way.

During the meeting, a brief presentation on the achievements and activity reports on training, education, cooperative development and hostels was showcased.

In addition, several agendas for approval were discussed, including the revision of rate charges for the hostel facilities associated with amenities at SICUN and the consideration and post-facto approval for the SICUN official web portal along with the associated costs.

Further, the meeting covered planning details for the foundation day celebration and the National Cooperative Conference, set to take place in Sikkim on April 1-2, 2025, with the aim to bring together key stakeholders and celebrate the achievements of the cooperative movement in the region.

Also present were Purna Prasad Sharma, vice president, SICUN; Karma Ongmu, registrar, Cooperation department; Dhiraj Pradhan, MD, DACS; TB Ghatani, MD, Sikkim Milk Union; Bishal Khawas, JD, IPRD; MM Karki, deputy director, Finance department; Premjit Rai, assistant manager, SIMFED along with officials from Planning department and Board of Directors, SICUN.