CM Pandey: Problems arise from misguided cooperative operations

KATHMANDU: Gandaki State Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey stated that the entire cooperative sector has been tarnished due to the weaknesses of a few individuals.

Inaugurating the newly constructed building of the District Cooperative Association in Kaski today, he remarked that recently there has been a fear of cooperatives, creating an atmosphere of distrust.

“The problems arose when cooperatives were operated against their objectives, principles, and spirit,” said Chief Minister Pandey.

“The regulatory bodies of cooperative institutions also appear weak.” He emphasized the need to resolve the ongoing issues in the sector as soon as possible and restore the lost credibility of cooperatives.

Pandey further added that if any individual is found involved in the mismanagement of cooperative savings, they will face legal action.

“The government will not act without evidence. If someone is guilty, they will be punished, and if innocent, they will be exonerated.

There is no need for any doubts in this regard,” he clarified. He also mentioned that the provincial government has been providing subsidies to farmers engaged in agricultural production through cooperatives.

Cooperative Registrar of Gandaki State, Bhesh Raj Rijal, pointed out that inactive cooperatives are currently in the process of restructuring.

He noted that managing numerous cooperatives with limited staff and resources creates challenges in effective regulation.

The cooperative association, which also runs a dairy industry, has built the new building at a cost of nearly Rs. 2 million, according to its president, Sabitra Koirala.