The distribution of coal has marginally increased, as the Government has announced New Coal Distribution Policy which was notified on 18.10.2007, which envisages that the existing distributive pattern of coal should continue for a period of 6 months and the State Governments only would notify the agencies at their level to undertake distribution of coal in the respective areas, which means that the federation will loose the opportunity to function as Central Agency for undertaking distribution of coal from April, 2008. Legal recourse is being taken by the federation for restoration of initial status.

During the financial year under report, the Federation achieved a sales turnover of Rs. 50451 lacs and suffered a net loss of Rs. 229.27 Lacs before taxation and Rs. 239.40 Lakhs after taxation. The summarized financial results for the year 2007-08 with comparative figures of the previous year are given below:

Development of Housing Projects in Kolkata being undertaken by the Federation on the land allotted by the Govt. of West Bengal is still in progress which is expected to be completed by March, 2010.

Supply of agri inputs like pesticides, insecticides, bio-fertilizers, micro nutrients, seeds to the Government Agencies.

Revival of functioning of Super Bazar under Joint Venture with M/s. Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd.

The Federation has also made attempts to enter into the following new lines of business:-

Revival of Sindri Fertilizer Plant (already closed down) by bringing optimum technology for Coal Gasification.

When changes are taking place all around and challenges posed by various sectors  affecting business environment  to gain maximum amount of market share by  particular institution / enterprise, it is necessary for every commercial organization to adopt an approach to ensure improvement in the present business in order to compete  with others so as to attain  the desired results.  The Federation has also given serious thought to the present economic scenario particularly consumer / retail trade  and to plan its strategy  for  its future development  / growth .  The following strategies are proposed to be adopted to improve the business of the Federation in the years to come :

• Influx of professional and willing officials.
• Involvement of the local members in promotion of business.
• Introduce modern system and latest business applications to manage effectively and also make awareness on future potentials.
• A network of Institutions be developed to monitor the development and to take corrective measures.
• Re-introducing Voluntary Retirement Scheme.

The Membership of the Federation was 136 as on 31.3.2008 comprising of the following:

Human resource is an asset of an organization. The development of human resource is key to success in any commercial organization like NCCF and upgrading the existing skill and motivation for the employees, in the rapidly changing business environment, constantly remain prime focus of the Federation. The officials are sent for updating their skills through training within the country and abroad . The Federation continued its effort for development of human resource by motivation of the work force and upgrading their knowledge and experience in the different segment from time to time. During the year under report, the Federation on its own and also in collaboration with VAMNICOM and NCCT arranged various training programmes in different fields. Employees were also deputed to professional institutes/VAMNICOM for short term and long term management training programmes.

The relations with employees are also key to success in a commercial organization like NCCF. The periodical meetings held between the representatives of the Management and Union during the year under report were very useful and cordial.

The Federation inspite of financial stringencies continued to strengthen the computerization network in its Head Office and branches/sub-branches in phases to improve the Management Information System. The Federation has its own website “nccf-India.com.” containing relevant information about its functioning.  The Citizen’s Charter has been formulated and is available on the Website. 

NCCF is implementing the provisions of the Official Language Act and continued to make vigorous efforts to promote use of Hindi in its day-to-day work. The Federation has undertaken Hindi essay writing competition and debate amongst the employees and distributed cash prizes to the top three winners from the three categories of States. Cash prizes were also awarded to the employees who had done maximum work in Hindi. The Managing Director attended the meeting of Hindi Advisory Committee on Official Language held at Kochi on 21.09.2007.  During the year, the following events were organized to popularize the use of Hindi in office work :

NCCF continued to project its image with member institutions in particular and consumer cooperatives in general and with consumers, Central/State Govt. departments/Public Sector Organizations/institutions and business associates by maintaining liaison and regular contacts and participation in various exhibitions, seminars and workshops. The Federation continued to bring out its quarterly Journal “Indian Consumer Co-operator” containing latest news on consumer cooperatives and information on consumer interest and NCCF.

The Federation has a Vigilance Cell. It is headed by Chief Vigilance Officer, who is an officer on deputation from Govt. of India. As a preventive measure, Vigilance Cell conducted surprise checks/regular inspections on review of systems and procedures in handling the commercial transactions. Based on the feedback given by the Vigilance Cell, guidelines were issued to the branches/sub-branches from time to time for adopting preventive/corrective measures in dealing with commercial transactions.

The summary of the major activities carried out by R&D Deptt. during the year under report is as follows :

Reviewed and analysed monthly reports of 331 consumer cooperatives stores in the country and provided necessary feedback for improving their retail trade.  Also provided on the spot guidance to 30 consumer cooperative stores in the country and reviewed their performance and suggested remedial steps for further improvement.

Annual Accounts received from 38 Consumer Cooperative Societies were reviewed and suggestions made for improving their performance.  Feedback was provided to Consumer Cooperative Stores in the country to submit Tax Audit Return under the Income tax Act in time to avoid delay and penalties.  Guidelines were also issued to all the Consumer Cooperative Stores for the closing of books of accounts to conduct physical verification of stocks and cash in hand and preparation for their functional budget for the year 2007-08.

A group of trainees from Tamilnadu visited NCCF for practical study/training on the working of NCCF and its R&D Department. They were given the required practical training.

Collecting information regarding prevailing market rates of different agriculture produce and crop position etc. on all India basis and providing the same to the member organizations.

Against the Work Programme of Rs.825 crores for the year 2007-08, a work programme of Rs. 825 crores has been approved for the year 2008-09. The Commoditywise break up is as under:

We take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Minister, Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance, Union Minister of State for Coal and Union Minister of State for Deptt. of Consumer Affairs for their valued and continued support and guidance extended by them.

Our thanks are also due to the Secretaries to the Govt. of India particularly Deptt. of Consumer Affairs, Deptt. of Food & Public Distribution, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of External Affairs,  Deptt. of Personnel & Training, Deptt. of Coal, Planning Commission and Food Corporation of India.  We are also grateful to the other Central Govt. Departments, State Govts. and State Agencies for using the infrastructure of the Federation for purchasing various articles required by them.  Our sincere gratitude is also due to the Central Registrar, Cooperative Societies and Registrars of Cooperative Societies of all States and Union Territories for their guidance in the promotion and development of the consumer cooperatives.  We thank International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for their continued support and guidance in various fields particularly in the field of arranging global training programmes.

We express our sincere thanks to the Managements of all the Members State Consumer Cooperative Federations, Cooperative Marketing Federations, Wholesale/Central Stores for their active support, participation and contribution in the progress of the Federation.

We thank the NCUI, NCCT, NAFED, VAMNICOM, NCDC, WFP, APO, APEDA, Business Associates and other organizations, valued customers and clients for their cooperation and support.  We also acknowledge the prompt and efficient services rendered by our bankers viz. UCO Bank and Central Bank of India.

We place on record our appreciation for the commitment, dedication, hard work and devotion to duty shown by the officers and staff of the Federation at all levels, but for their sustained continued efforts, the growth of business and profitability as witnessed now could not have been possible.