Date:17/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/17/stories/2008121754470300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Cooperative stores out of the red now

Staff Reporter

It took upon itself new experiments; started earning profit for past two years

RECOGNITION: R. Mahendravel, third from left, District Revenue Officer, giving away the ‘Best Cooperative Society Award’ to T. Pandithurai, Special Officer, Pudukottai Urban Cooperative Society.

PUDUKOTTAI: The Pudukottai Urban Co-operative Stores, which was in the red till three years ago, has started earning profit for the past two years.

No wonder, the Stores was adjudged the ‘best cooperative stores’ for 2007-08.

The Stores, which registered a loss of Rs.32 lakhs during 2005-06, took upon itself new experiments from the succeeding year. “We stepped up the sale of fire-works from the usual Rs.8 lakhs to Rs.40 lakhs during the ‘Deepavali’ festival season, and it formed the foundation of our profit” says the Special Officer of the Stores, T. Pandithurai.

The Stores started micro Super Markets at six places – Tiruvappur, Kamarajapuram, Nizam Colony, TVS Corner, AR Line and Rajagopalapuram. Without incurring any additional expenditure on rental and labour charges, the Stores utilised the space at the fair price shops as also the services of the salespersons.

Another major source of revenue was the marketing of non-controlled commodities including edible oil through the 50 fair price shops under the jurisdiction of the Stores. “It evoked an overwhelming response that the fair price shops in the vicinity,opted for the purchase from our Stores,” Mr. Pandithurai said.

The Stores registered a profit of Rs.10 lakh during 2006-07 and Rs.27 lakh during 2007-08. Its business turnover for 2007-08 stood at Rs.12.60 crores, indicating an average monthly sales achievement of about Rs. One crore, he said.

The District Revenue Officer, R. Mahendravel, gave away the shield to Mr. Pandithurai at a function held to mark the celebrations of the All India Cooperative Week here recently.

The District Panchayat Chairman, C. Muthusamy, the MLA Rama.Subburam were among those who spoke.

The Special Officer of the Pudukottai District Central Cooperative Bank, T. Ramanidevi, and the Joint Registrar of Cooperatives, Rama. Jayampandian highlighted the achievements of the cooperative movement in the district.