30.10.25

Bandkariyani Green Shakti Producer Company Conducts Its First Annual General Meeting in Malkangiri, Odisha

Bandkariyani Green Shakti Producer Company (BGSPC) achieved a major milestone on 29 September 2025, with the successful conduct of its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Regulated Market (RMC) Mandi in Mathili block, Malkangiri district, Odisha. The event marked a significant step in strengthening the governance, transparency, and long-term vision of the newly formed producer company (PC), which is composed entirely of tribal women members.

Understanding the PC and AGM Framework

A PC is a member-owned corporate entity formed by primary producers to collectively undertake activities, such as collection, processing, value addition, and marketing, while functioning under a professional management structure. It follows democratic principles, where members exercise control through general meetings and an elected Board of Directors (BoD), ensuring transparency, accountability, and shared ownership.

An AGM is the most important statutory meeting of a PC. Every PC is required to hold an AGM each year, with no more than 15 months allowed between two AGMs. The first AGM must be held within 90 days of incorporation. At the AGM, members adopt key governance documents, such as the Articles of Association (AoA), appoint the BoD, and take important decisions related to oversight, planning, and the future direction of the company. The AGM thus serves as the highest decision-making platform of the PC.

Strong Member Participation

The AGM witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 200 women attending, including 150 women shareholders and several prospective women shareholders from 18 villages across 12 Panchayats. The strong turnout reflected growing trust, collective ownership, and confidence in the PC model.

The BoD, supported by community leaders, shareholders, and well-wishers, ensured the smooth organisation of the meeting. Notably, the entire programme was arranged through member contributions, demonstrating unity, commitment, and shared responsibility among members.

Key Deliberations of the AGM

The deliberations during the meeting focused on strengthening institutional governance and planning for future growth. Members discussed and approved the appointment of directors to the Board, adopted the AoA and Memorandum of Association (MoA), and appointed an auditor. The meeting also provided a platform to identify potential business opportunities and outline plans for the upcoming financial year. Other matters relevant to the functioning of the PC were taken up under the guidance of the President of the Meeting.

These discussions laid a strong legal, operational, and regulatory foundation for the company.

Encouragement from Community Leadership

The AGM was graced by the President of Adivasi Samaj Maha Sangha, Malkangiri, whose address inspired the gathering. The speaker appreciated the collective effort and commitment demonstrated by the members and encouraged them to continue working together to strengthen the PC. The assurance of continued support served as strong motivation for all participants.

Community Contributions and Collective Effort

One of the most notable aspects of the event was the spirit of cooperation and volunteerism. Board members and shareholders pooled resources, largely in kind, to organise the meeting. Gram Sabha leaders supported the programme by providing utensils, while a former Zilla Parishad member contributed rations. Local youth from the company’s registered village volunteered their time and labour, managing cooking and logistical arrangements. This collective effort reflected strong community ownership and solidarity.

A Milestone for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment

The first AGM stands as a defining moment for BGSPC and its members. It reinforced transparent and democratic governance, strengthened confidence among shareholders, and established a clear roadmap for the year ahead.

Most importantly, the AGM marked a significant step in the journey of tribal women assuming formal leadership roles within a registered enterprise, demonstrating their capacity to collectively manage, govern, and grow an economic institution. The successful meeting signals the beginning of a promising path towards sustainable livelihoods, economic empowerment, and community-led enterprise development in Malkangiri district, grounded in the leadership and collective strength of tribal women.