Imphal: Manipur needs more young people and women in its cooperative movement. W. Ibohal, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, says these groups hold the key to turning outdated credit systems into modern hubs for business and employment. The movement traces its roots back to 1939. Today, the state claims 11,659 registered societies with over 820,000 members, though only 5,337 are actually active.
The department is pushing to fix that. Officials are pumping funds into various projects to keep these institutions alive. They recently handed out Rs. 20 lakh in total aid, including Rs. 18 lakh split between 36 Primary Multipurpose Rural Cooperative Societies in the valley and hill districts. Another Rs. 2 lakh went to the Manipur State Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society Ltd.
Fisheries are getting a massive boost. The National Cooperative Development Corporation sanctioned Rs. 36.3565 crore for pisciculture across Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Bishnupur. This package includes a Rs. 26.789-crore loan and a Rs. 9.5675-crore subsidy. These funds support ponds, hatcheries, and cold storage for 167 societies. Ibohal noted, "Financial assistance by itself cannot ensure the success of a cooperative."
Digital upgrades are also on the way. A project to computerize registrar offices is underway, costing Rs. 2,41,78,293. The central government is picking up the bulk of that tab. Deloitte is building 18 software modules to handle registration, audits, and e-payments. This system connects directly to the National Cooperative Database.
The department faces a steep climb. They are missing 302 workers out of 506 sanctioned posts. Despite the thin staff, the agency manages 73 active legal cases while trying to launch a new State Cooperation Policy. The goal is simple: transform stagnant societies into engines for agriculture, dairy, and handloom growth.
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