PANAJI: The Minister for Home and Cooperatives, Mr Ravi Naik has said cooperative societies should seek the participation of women and youth. Empowerment of women through cooperatives has been much talked about but we need to go a long way in making it a reality.

Further he said office bearers of the credit societies should give good service to the people.
Mr Naik was speaking at a function at Kumbharjua in Tiswadi, after inaugurating fourth branch of the Old Goa Urban Co-Operative Credit Society Ltd. Speaking further he said, the idea of a cooperative should be imbibed in the minds of the youth. Educational institutions should hold courses on cooperative sector in their campuses so that youth can develop an understanding and appreciation for the cooperative movement in the state, he added.
Mr Pandurang Madkaikar, MLA and chairman of the Old Goa Urban Co-Operative Credit Society Ltd speaking on the occasion said a lot of facilities will be made available for the public in the vicinity of Kumbharjua. Stress will be given on disbursement of loan upto Rs 1 lakh to members of self help groups at a low rate of interest.
Mr Madkaikar also assured the people that safe locker system will be made available for the customers. He lauded the work of general manager, Mr Tulshidas Ghadi and informed that around Rs 45-lakh profit has been incurred during the last financial year. He thanked the members of the board of directors for their continuous support.
Mr Surendra Naik, sarpanch also spoke on the occasion. Mr Dhaku Madkaikar, ZP member, Mr Bajirao Sawant, vice-president, Mr Samil Volvoikar, secretary and Mr Shashikant Vernekar, Mr Tulshidas Kundaikar, Mr Eurico Menezes, Mr Ramnath Rataboli, Mr Damodar Phadte, Mr Avdhoot Naik, all directors were present on the occasion. Ms Yashasri More proposed a vote of thanks.