SAINIK STORES - HISTORY
SAINIK STORES - EVOLUTION OF A VISION
To solve this problem, the Residents of the Defence Colony decided to start a Consumer Store and enterprise well within the ‘objects clause’ of their society’s by-laws.
The Registrar of Co-operative Societies was approached and he was invited to enlighten the residents on how to go about starting a consumer co-operative society. He even attended the first meeting. The Government chipped in with a matching contribution of 10,000 shares that the share holders could contribute and the society was registered. A shareholders drive by the
ex-servicemen in Defence Colony could not garner many members for any great subscription, since many were retired people. A drive was therefore organized for membership of the residents of the surrounding areas, generally within a 6/7 Km radius of the Defence colony. A determined effort was made and the Sainik Consumers Co-op. Society Ltd., was established on 23-02-1991 in a vacant house opposite the present premises.
The formative couple of years were hard work with limited funds. This, not withstanding, the initial team was most supportive. They accepted little or no salary. Members and their wives voluntarily chipped in help including bringing in the much welcomed ‘tea and snacks’.
During this period the society had the wise counsel of Mr. S. G. Umarye of
Encouraged by the initial success and the increasing turnover the society started thinking of acquiring premises of its own. It was here that the parent society The Sainik Co-operative House Building Society acceded to their request and leased the land on which the present store is located. The new building was constructed and the Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane inaugurated the new building on 31-03-1995 at 18.30 hrs. The ribbon was cut by Mr. A. M. D’souza, the oldest member of the colony at that time, aged 93 years.
A special mention here about the pioneering efforts put in by the first Chairman, Late Maj. General A.C. D’Silva (Retd.) and the first Secretary cum Manager Lt.Cdr.J.F.Gomes (Retd.).The latter has been with the stores since its inception until his recent retirement. He has served with honesty and trust for nearly fifteen years, initially even refusing to accept a salary till profits were sufficient.
Many a new initiative bears his stamp of authority and dedication, two of which merit mention. The store in keeping with the co-operative spirit provides employment to the less privileged members of the society living in its neighbourhood. This fulfils a social responsibility. The second is that all the members of the staff are share holders and therefore owners too. Their stake in the success of this venture is doubly re-enforced. The work ethics of the staff has been disciplined and true to the motto since inception
‘SERVICE WITH A SMILE’
The store has shown steady growth with sales increasing every year. The society has given maximum dividend as per the Co-operative Act for the last four years and has ‘A’ classification. It has never defaulted in timely payment to the authorities, to its suppliers and to its staff.
The S.C.C.S. has a vast range of goods available at reasonable rates. The society has attached an outlet Krishi Ghar, making available variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to its customers. Priyanka store, also on the premises has a circulating library. They also contribute to garbage control by buying old newspapers, magazines etc.
To enhance the variety and choice of items, the store will be adding a lot of new products to the existing range. Customers will now have a wide variety to choose from. In order to keep abreast with the changing times and the concept of shopping under one roof, the Society has introduced a new electronics and home appliances counter selling premium brands like Samsung etc. The society has a tie-up with Aniket Sales, Panjim to supply these items. The store will also arrange free home delivery to its customers and will issue warranty on the products as applicable.
In order to simplify shopping and make it easier for customers, the store has started internet shopping. Customers in the vicinity will now be able to place their orders through e-mail at sainikstores@yahoo.com
Customers can also visit the store’s website at www.sainikstores.biz.ly for news updates about the supermarket.
This will be an innovative and an exciting experience for the customers who shop at Sainik Stores.
On the occasion of its 15th anniversary, the store had planned many surprises during the anniversary week. It started on the 18th Feb’06 and culminated on 26th of Feb’06 . Prizes and hampers were distributed to lucky winners.
Sainik Stores has always been a forerunner in service to the people and will continue to do so with a 'SMILE'
CELEBRATING 15 GLORIOUS YEARS OF SERVICE
18th Feb'06 was indeed a red letter day for Sainik Stores as it enters its 15th Year of service to the people. This occasion was marked with a grand opening of the Electronics counter.
The Manager of the stores, Mr. Anthony Alphonso in his vote of thanks said the following:
"On behalf of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the managing committee I would like to thank our chief guest General S.F. Rodrigues, the Governor of Punjab for being with us this morning to inaugurate our newly introduced electronics counter.
I also take this opportunity to thank Mr. Milind Shirodkar, Proprietor of Aniket Sales and Samsung Digital Home who has unconditionally supported Sainik Stores to accomplish this goal.
Further I would like to thank Lt. Cdr. J.F. Gomes for being present for the inauguration. Lt. Cdr. Gomes has been among the pioneers in setting up this store.
I also want to thank Mr.Roshan Thomson, Area Manager Samsung for being here this morning in our midst.
I would also like to thank the Chairman, Vice Chairman and all the managing committee members of Sainik Consumer Co-operative Society who have supported me wholeheartedly in this project.
The President, Vice President and Managing Committee members of The Sainik House Building Society have also taken time out from their busy schedule to be here this morning. I really appreciate their presence here.
I would also like to thank each and every staff member who has sincerely worked hard for this occasion.
I would like to conclude with the words of Joel Barker
Vision without action remains a dream
Action without vision leads nowhere
But vision with action can change the world.
We look forward to working with vision and action!
Thank you once again
Have a nice Day."
OUR LOCATION
SAINIK STORES
DEFENCE COLONY
BEHIND O'COQUEIRO
ALTO PORVORIM
GOA - 403521