Awam Daman Prakash
IFFCO Foundation
Co-operatives are socio-economic institutions operating at the primary level to meet and satisfy the needs of a common man. They not only endeavour to provide services and facilities but also provide training in the skills of operating a democratic economic institution. The essence of a co-operative institution is the democratic control and the participation of members in the government of their own co-operative. Without participating in a democratic institution the essence of democratic management tends to diminish. Co-operative institutions are thus the "little democracies operating at the doorstep of a common man". The loyalty of members towards their co-operatives is hinged on to the quality and range of services provided by the society to its members. The key factor in the management of a co-operative institution is the participation by members - participation in business, participation in the democratic process and participation in the social factors relating to the co-operative activity. Some of the principal factors which help make a co-operative strong, viable and vibrant are: Awareness, Strengthening of the institution; Professionalisation; Active participation for higher business; Rewards and satisfaction; Flow of information; and Marketing with advantage.