Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 14: Minister of State for Co-operatives and Finance, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma has said that several revolutionary steps have been taken by the Government to revive the cooperative sector in the State during the past three years and encouraging indicators are visible on ground.
Addressing a large gathering of people at a function organized by the Jammu Central Cooperative Bank (JCCB) in connection with the inauguration of 59th Cooperative Week-2012 at the Sehkari Bhavan, here today, the Minister said that efforts are afoot to upgrade the functioning of JCC Bank on modern lines to make this financial institution a competitive one.
He said people want good service and the bank will attract the clients with the improved services, strictly under the guidelines of Reserve Bank of India. The Core Banking is the prime need of the hour and without this essential facility the bank cannot grow, therefore, the bank will be brought under the ambit of this service, he added.
Expressing satisfaction on the performance of the JCCB and other organizations under the Cooperative Ministry, the Minister said that with the collective efforts of its employees, the financial profile of these institutions has improved substantially. The employees of JAKFED and Super Bazaar have been recently given the benefits of 6th Pay Commission which itself speaks about their substantial contribution towards cooperative movement. He stressed upon the JCCB to step up its efforts to realize the recovery which is important factor for the sustenance of a financial institution. He said the officials who will achieve the targets will be suitably rewarded. He also appealed to all the stakeholders to continue their trust in the cooperative sector for making it stronger and growth oriented.
Highlighting the importance of Cooperative Week, the Minister said that the cooperative movement was launched in India about hundred years ago and the year 2012 has been declared as International Year of Cooperatives. The objective of the cooperative is to help the farmers and poor sections of the society, women folk through cooperative mode.
The Chairman of the JCCB, Mohinder Singh also spoke on the occasion and gave resume of the activities of the bank.
He assured the Minister that tireless efforts will be made by each employee of the bank to achieve the targets and improve the customer services.
Registrar Cooperatives, Sudershan Sharma also spoke on the occasion and briefed about various steps taken to augment the cooperative sector across the State.
Rajesh Sharma, Chairman Cooperative Union lauded said under the present leadership, the sector has registered considerable progress. He emphasized the need for taking some bold initiatives in the future to make the sector more vibrant.
Several Directors of the JCCB, heads of various cooperative societies, large number of farmers and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.