12/04/2026
Welcome Address on the Occasion of the 17th Anniversary of Bachan Saving and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd. by Dr. Dess Mardan Basnet, Chief Executive Officer(CEO).
Greetings and Significance of the 17th Anniversary Program
Respected Chief Guest, distinguished guests, members of the Board of Directors, sub-committee members, valued members, and all stakeholders present—I extend my warm welcome and heartfelt greetings to you all.
Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the historic moment of the 17th anniversary of our cooperative institution. This is not just a celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on our past achievements, honor our contributors, and move forward with renewed commitment toward the future.
On this occasion, it is a matter of great pride to honor our senior members devoted to the cooperative, outstanding savers, exemplary borrowers, best-performing groups, and individuals from committees and sub-committees who have significantly contributed to the development of the cooperative. Likewise, our efforts to empower members through cooperative education and financial literacy programs are equally important.
History and Achievements
Our cooperative was established in the year 2066 B.S. (2009/2010 A.D.). It was founded by university students, teachers, and social workers, under the leadership of founding chairperson Professor Laxman Mohan Dhoj Joshi and followed by 30 founder members.
The primary objectives at the time of establishment were to develop a habit of saving among members, provide affordable and accessible loans, and build an economically self-reliant community. The cooperative also aimed to mobilize savings from urban areas and promote investment in semi-urban and rural areas.
The core philosophy of this cooperative is to create peace and prosperity in the community through emotional and financial literacy.
Over the years, we have achieved remarkable progress in membership expansion, savings mobilization, loan disbursement, and institutional development. These achievements have made our mission more effective and meaningful.
Key Achievements
Current Share Capital: NPR 35,803,800
Reserve and Other Funds: NPR 46,217,427
Savings and Deposits: NPR 233,048,243
Loan Investment: NPR 265,155,234
Bank and Cash Balance: NPR 51,400,775
Total Members: 1,509
Female: 724
Male: 782
Institutional: 3
Borrowing Members: 352
Balance Sheet as of Magh 27, 2082 B.S.: NPR 344,057,218
Contribution of Members and Leadership
The success of this journey is largely due to the invaluable contributions of our founding members, Board of Directors, staff, and all members. It is because of everyone’s trust, cooperation, and dedication that the cooperative has reached this level. On this occasion, I express my sincere gratitude to all.
Role of the Cooperative in the Community
Bachan Saving and Credit Cooperative (Bachan SACCOS) has played a vital role in promoting savings, providing accessible credit, developing entrepreneurship, empowering economically, and ensuring financial inclusion. Beyond financial services, the cooperative has fulfilled its social responsibilities and played a leading role in community development.
Future Vision
Our commitment is to strengthen the cooperative further over the next 10 years by promoting equal savings, reducing loan interest rates, expanding equitable share ownership, ensuring transparency, good governance, equal participation of members, and sustainable development.
Status of Cooperatives in Nepal
The cooperative movement in Nepal is expanding rapidly. Currently, there are 32,965 primary cooperatives operating across the country, with over 10.9 million citizens directly involved.
Global Status of Cooperatives by Continents
Asia and Pacific
Over 600 million members
Around 1.5–2 million cooperatives
Key sectors: agriculture, dairy, rural credit, microfinance
Africa
About 500,000 cooperatives
Over 100 million members
Key sectors: agriculture, SACCOs, rural finance
Europe
140–150 million members
176,000–180,000 cooperatives
Key sectors: banking, agriculture, retail, social cooperatives
North America
Around 130 million members
45,000–50,000 cooperatives
Key sectors: agriculture, credit unions, energy
South America
Around 60–70 million members
90,000–110,000 cooperatives
Key sectors: agriculture, dairy, savings and credit, production
Australia and Oceania
Over 10 million members
1,700–2,000 cooperatives
Key sectors: agriculture, banking, insurance, retail
Global Overview
Around 1.1–1.2 billion people worldwide are cooperative members
Approximately 12–15% of the global population
Cooperatives generate over 280 million jobs globally
In many countries, cooperatives contribute 5–10% to GDP
Thus, cooperatives are considered a key pillar of the global social economy.
Closing Message
Finally, let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthen the cooperative by maintaining unity, trust, and cooperation among all members.
Today, as we celebrate this anniversary, we recognize that this institution—built on the principles of trust, cooperation, and mutual support—has significantly contributed to increasing savings, providing affordable credit, and promoting economic development in the community. This success has been made possible by the contributions of founding members, the Board of Directors, staff, and all members.
Let us move forward with transparency, accountability, and unity to further strengthen our cooperative in the days ahead.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt best wishes to all members and well-wishers of our cooperative for a prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive New Year 2083.
Thank you! Long live cooperatives!