The Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, conducted a four-day Exposure Visit Programme on “Cooperative Business Model including MSCS Act, 2002” for officials of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS), Cooperative Election Authority (CEA) and Cooperative Ombudsman from 6 to 9 October 2026. Supported by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, the programme aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of cooperative business models, governance practices, financial management and the regulatory framework governing multi-state cooperative societies.

The programme was inaugurated on 6 October 2026 by Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM and CICTAB. In his address, Dr. Mohanty highlighted the importance of sound governance, regulatory accountability and member-centric management in strengthening cooperative institutions. He emphasised the need for professional management practices and effective implementation of the regulatory framework to ensure the long-term sustainability and credibility of the cooperative sector.

Dr. D. Ravi, Programme Director, was also present during the inaugural session and briefed the participants on the significance and objectives of the programme. He highlighted that the exposure visits would provide first-hand insights into the functioning of diverse cooperative institutions, helping participants understand cooperative business models, governance practices, management systems and the practical challenges faced by cooperatives. He also emphasised the value of connecting classroom learning with field-level experience to develop a deeper understanding of the cooperative sector.

The programme combined expert-led classroom sessions with field visits to cooperative institutions, providing participants with opportunities to relate the provisions of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, to the operational realities of cooperative enterprises. On 6 October 2026, following the inaugural session, Shri S. B. Patil delivered a session on the MSCS Act, 2002, followed by visits to Cosmos Co-operative Bank Ltd. and Venkateshwara Co-operative Power and Agro Processing Ltd. On 7 October, sessions on audit and the MSCS Act, 2002, by Shri S. B. Patil, Smt. Shilpa Kadu, Deputy Registrar, Pune, and Shri Jagadeesha M, SCO, were complemented by a visit to Tuljabhavani Urban Multistate Cooperative Credit Society Ltd. On 8 October, participants visited Shivsahyadri Sahakari Patpedhi Maryadit and Saraswat Co-operative Bank Limited to understand cooperative credit operations, governance, and member services. On 9 October, the participants visited IFFCO, Annapoorna Parivar,  and Katraj Dairy, gaining insights into community-oriented initiatives, dairy operations, and the functioning of a large cooperative organization. The programme concluded with participants presenting their key learnings and action plans, followed by evaluation, feedback and valedictory remarks.

The participants’ presentations identified four key dimensions of effective cooperative functioning: member-centricity, governance, business sustainability, and regulation and accountability. The discussions highlighted that cooperative performance depends not only on statutory compliance but also on transparent decision-making, clear management responsibilities, sound financial systems, and responsiveness to members’ needs.

As part of their action plans, participants proposed applying a member-centric approach to governance and compliance, strengthening the analytical review of audit, inquiry, inspection, and statutory compliance matters, and sharing relevant learning with colleagues and cooperative institutions. The programme reinforced the importance of linking legal understanding and professional management with field-level experience to strengthen institutional accountability and member protection.

The programme was conducted under the overall guidance of Programme Director Dr. D. Ravi, who coordinated the programme from the opening session through its conclusion. VAMNICOM faculty members Dr. Amit Borkar and Dr. Arvind Darshna coordinated the field visits to the participating cooperative institutions, facilitating interactions that connected classroom learning with practical institutional experience.

The participating officials were Shri Arun Kumar Singh and Shri Sanjay Kumar, Under Secretaries; Shri Aditya; Shri Kuldeep Singh Ranga; Smt. Kamla Masiwal; and Smt. Lalita Choudhary.

VAMNICOM functions under the National Council for Cooperative Training and is promoted by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. The Institute contributes to the development of the cooperative sector through management education, training, research, consultancy, and capacity-building initiatives. The programme reflects its continued efforts to strengthen cooperative governance, professional management, regulatory understanding, and institutional accountability.

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HarshalAkude / DineshYadav

 

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