Press Release
Press Release from SICUN Assam Linzey
Information & Public Relations Department
Pakyong, February 23: The Leadership Development Programme (LDP) of the Gujarat State Cooperative Credit Societies Federation Ltd. was inaugurated in collaboration with the Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN).
Dr. Mangal Jit Rai, Chairman, SICUN, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by Shri Kanjibhai Bhalala, Chairman, South Gujarat Urban Bank Federation; Dr. Jivrajbhai Godhani, Vice Chairman, Gujarat Federation; Shri P. T. Lepcha, Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Government of Sikkim; Shri Phadung Bhutia, CEO, SICUN; Shri D. C. Vaghela, CEO, Gujarat Federation along with board members, delegates from Gujarat and EO, SICUN.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Rai expressed his gratitude to the Federation for the invitation and highlighted the importance of professional leadership, digital transformation and youth and women participation in strengthening the cooperative movement. He emphasized that while adopting modern management practices, cooperative values must remain central. He also acknowledged Gujarat’s pioneering role in India’s cooperative sector and appreciated the renewed momentum in the sector following the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
He further shared that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has extended unwavering support to the cooperative movement in the state. Under his visionary leadership, cooperatives in Sikkim have received policy encouragement, institutional backing, and strategic guidance, enabling them to expand their activities in rural development, dairy, agriculture, allied sectors and self employment initiatives.
The LDP, scheduled up to 26th February 2026, is designed for Chairmen, Directors, and Managers of Cooperative Credit Societies of Gujarat. The programme focuses on governance strengthening, financial discipline, regulatory compliance, risk management, digital adoption and member centric services, while providing a platform for exchange of best practices.
Shri Phadung Bhutia, CEO, SICUN, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing inter-state collaboration and capacity building. Shri Kanjibhai Bhalala and Dr. Jivrajbhai Godhani addressed the gathering, underlining Gujarat’s commitment to cooperative excellence and institutional strengthening. Shri P. T. Lepcha, Additional RCS, highlighted the supportive role of the Cooperation Department in promoting transparent and accountable cooperative governance. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri D. C. Vaghela, CEO, Gujarat Federation.
On the same day, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between SICUN and the Gujarat Federation by the CEO, SICUN and the CEO, Gujarat Federation, in the presence of Dr. Mangal Jit Rai, Chairman, SICUN; Dr. Jivrajbhai Godhani, Vice Chairman, Gujarat Federation and board members of the Federation. The MoU aims to strengthen institutional cooperation, training initiatives and knowledge exchange between the two organisations.
The programme marks a significant step toward fostering cooperative leadership, strengthening governance and enhancing collaboration between Gujarat and Sikkim in advancing the cooperative movement.
Dr. Mangal Jit Rai, Chairman, SICUN, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by Shri Kanjibhai Bhalala, Chairman, South Gujarat Urban Bank Federation; Dr. Jivrajbhai Godhani, Vice Chairman, Gujarat Federation; Shri P. T. Lepcha, Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Government of Sikkim; Shri Phadung Bhutia, CEO, SICUN; Shri D. C. Vaghela, CEO, Gujarat Federation along with board members, delegates from Gujarat and EO, SICUN.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Rai expressed his gratitude to the Federation for the invitation and highlighted the importance of professional leadership, digital transformation and youth and women participation in strengthening the cooperative movement. He emphasized that while adopting modern management practices, cooperative values must remain central. He also acknowledged Gujarat’s pioneering role in India’s cooperative sector and appreciated the renewed momentum in the sector following the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
He further shared that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has extended unwavering support to the cooperative movement in the state. Under his visionary leadership, cooperatives in Sikkim have received policy encouragement, institutional backing, and strategic guidance, enabling them to expand their activities in rural development, dairy, agriculture, allied sectors and self employment initiatives.
The LDP, scheduled up to 26th February 2026, is designed for Chairmen, Directors, and Managers of Cooperative Credit Societies of Gujarat. The programme focuses on governance strengthening, financial discipline, regulatory compliance, risk management, digital adoption and member centric services, while providing a platform for exchange of best practices.
Shri Phadung Bhutia, CEO, SICUN, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing inter-state collaboration and capacity building. Shri Kanjibhai Bhalala and Dr. Jivrajbhai Godhani addressed the gathering, underlining Gujarat’s commitment to cooperative excellence and institutional strengthening. Shri P. T. Lepcha, Additional RCS, highlighted the supportive role of the Cooperation Department in promoting transparent and accountable cooperative governance. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri D. C. Vaghela, CEO, Gujarat Federation.
On the same day, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between SICUN and the Gujarat Federation by the CEO, SICUN and the CEO, Gujarat Federation, in the presence of Dr. Mangal Jit Rai, Chairman, SICUN; Dr. Jivrajbhai Godhani, Vice Chairman, Gujarat Federation and board members of the Federation. The MoU aims to strengthen institutional cooperation, training initiatives and knowledge exchange between the two organisations.
The programme marks a significant step toward fostering cooperative leadership, strengthening governance and enhancing collaboration between Gujarat and Sikkim in advancing the cooperative movement.