Reviving Cooperation: India's Ambitious National Cooperative Policy for 2025

The Indian government, led by Home Minister Amit Shah, is gearing up to launch an ambitious national cooperative policy set to span from 2025 to 2045. This plan is a vital step towards revitalizing India's cooperative movement and generating employment for the nation's 1.4 billion inhabitants.

During a convergence of state cooperation ministers commemorating the upcoming International Year of Cooperatives, Shah detailed plans to establish cooperatives in every Indian village within five years. This will be supported by setting up 2,00,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies by February 2026, aligning with state-specific cooperative initiatives.

Addressing past hurdles, such as outdated laws and nepotism, Shah highlighted initiatives including the Tribhuvan Sahkari University to foster cooperative development. He also emphasized the importance of urban cooperative banks and credit societies, enhancing their role under the Banking Act with RBI support for financial steadiness.

(With inputs from agencies.)