Kathmandu. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal has stressed the need to strengthen the cooperative sector to strengthen nepal’s economy.

Speaking at the 31st general assembly of Mechi Multipurpose Cooperative Society at Damak in Jhapa, he said the entire cooperative sector should not be misconstrued for the wrongdoings of some individuals. He reminded that cooperatives are an important pillar when the state has adopted a three-pillar economic policy. Minister Dahal said that a strong economy cannot be built by leaving an important pillar of the economy weak.

He said that there is a need to provide proper justice to those who have been cheated through various cooperatives in the recent past and strong regulation and encouragement to the cooperative sector.

Khom Prasad Bagale, chief executive of the cooperative, said the cooperative, which has more than 17,000 members, paid Rs 27.4 million in taxes to the state in the last fiscal year.