Sri Vijaya Puram: The Andaman & Nicobar Cooperative Supply & Marketing Federation Ltd. (ANCOFED) has elected Rizwan Ali (Retd. ARCS) as its new Chairman. He, a former General Manager of CCS and CWS, and Administrator of ANCOFED, replaces Kuldeep Rai Sharma. Anant Rao has been appointed as Vice Chairman, officials said on Saturday.
The appointments mark a leadership transition at ANCOFED, a key cooperative institution responsible for the procurement, distribution, and marketing of essential commodities across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The federation plays a critical role in supporting cooperative societies and ensuring the availability of essential goods, particularly in remote and geographically dispersed areas.
Rizwan Ali brings more than three decades of experience in the cooperative sector. He joined the Cooperative Department in 1973 as a Sub-Inspector and rose through the ranks to retire in 2009 as Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Officials said his long administrative career has given him deep insight into cooperative governance, regulation, and on-ground operations.
Ali was also the first Administrator of ANCOFED in 1983, when the federation was in its formative phase. Over the years, he has held senior roles in several prominent cooperative societies in the islands, contributing to their institutional development and strengthening governance frameworks.
The change in leadership follows the completion of Kuldeep Rai Sharma’s tenure as Chairman. Officials did not comment on continuity or changes in policy direction but said the new board is expected to focus on improving operational efficiency, strengthening procurement systems, and ensuring timely service delivery.
Anant Rao, appointed Vice Chairman, is expected to work closely with the Chairman and the management team in overseeing day-to-day operations. Addressing logistical challenges specific to island cooperatives and improving coordination with government departments are expected to be among the priorities.
Officials said the newly appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman will formally assume charge after completion of statutory procedures.
