PR No. 132/2026–2027
Lawngtlai, October 15, 2026: The inauguration ceremony of the Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, established under the initiative of the Lai Woman Association (LWA), General Headquarters, Lawngtlai, was held at the LWA office in Electric Veng, Lawngtlai, at 1:00 PM today. The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC), Pu C. Lalsawmzuala, attended the programme as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the Puanthuina Centre. Pu Joseph Lalhmingthanga, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS), LADC, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Pu C. Lalsawmzuala extended his greetings to the members of the LWA and all those present, appreciating their dedicated efforts and commitment towards the welfare and development of the community.
He expressed his happiness that a promising and active cooperative society had been established and that the necessary machinery for operating the Puanthuina Centre was now available. He described this as a significant step towards progress, adding that establishing and successfully operating cooperative societies had often been challenging among tribal communities.
Citing Amul as one of India's most successful cooperative societies, he explained how people in Gujarat, including those with limited formal education, came together to produce and market milk and milk products through a cooperative system. Their unity and collective efforts had enabled Amul to grow into a highly successful organisation, demonstrating the potential of cooperation and teamwork.
Continuing his speech, Pu C. Lalsawmzuala expressed his wish that people would recognise the reliability and quality of the garments and handloom products made by the LWA. He emphasised that the association should focus on maintaining high-quality standards so that its products could be marketed successfully and purchased by the public.
He encouraged the LWA members to make their best efforts by applying their skills and expertise in weaving and garment production. He also expressed the LADC government's expectation that the cooperative society would continue to function effectively and assured them that the government would extend support within its available capacity to help them make progress.
Pu Joseph Lalhmingthanga, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, LADC, also addressed the gathering. He urged the members not to become complacent and encouraged them to work together with honesty and dedication to strengthen and improve the cooperative society.
He pointed out that cooperative societies in various places had been helping groups of people pool their resources and improve their livelihoods. He cited the example of a women's group in Champhai that had even established a Nirmal Gas Agency through collective efforts.
He further expressed his appreciation that, through the dedication and commitment of Pu C. Lalsawmzuala and others, cooperative societies were increasingly being established in the region, bringing recognition and development opportunities to the area.
The programme was presided over by Pi Vankungpuii, President of the LWA Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society. The invocation was delivered by Pi V. Lalrinkimi, while Pi B. Lalnunsiami, Secretary of the LWA Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, conducted the introduction session. The vote of thanks was delivered by Pi Linda Lalnunnemi, a member of the society. Representatives from various NGOs and other invited guests attended the programme in good numbers.
The first batch of trainees for the Puanthuina training programme consists of 11 participants, who will undergo training for six months. Pi Mabiaki will serve as their instructor.
Written and Published by: Information and Public Relations Department, LADC, Lawngtlai.
