National Cooperative Policy – 2025

Source:  TH

Context: Union Home and Cooperation Minister unveiled the National Cooperative Policy – 2025 in New Delhi, aiming to revitalise India’s cooperative movement and empower rural, tribal, and marginalized communities through inclusive, tech-driven, and transparent cooperatives.

About National Cooperative Policy – 2025:

• What is it?
  • The National Cooperative Policy 2025 is a forward-looking, result-oriented policy designed to institutionalise, expand, and modernise India’s cooperative sector as a key pillar of economic growth and social equity.
• Objective:

• • To triple the cooperative sector’s share in GDP by 2034.
  • Ensure active participation of 50 crore members.
  • Establish at least one cooperative in every village.
  • Enhance transparency, financial sustainability, and digital integration.
  • Empower rural women, tribals, Dalits, and youth through cooperatives.
  • Build a self-reliant and employment-rich cooperative ecosystem by 2047.

• Key Features of National Cooperative Policy 2025:
  • Inclusive and Village-Centric Focus:

• • • Core emphasis on villages, agriculture, rural women, Dalits, and tribals.
    • Aim to create 5 model cooperative villages per tehsil.
    • PACS to serve as anchors for rural service delivery (e.g., Jan Aushadhi, LPG, Water Schemes).

• Expansion and Modernisation of Cooperatives:

• • • 30% rise in number of cooperative societies.
    • 45,000 new PACS under implementation.
    • New cooperatives to be launched in taxi, tourism, green energy, and insurance sectors.
    • Launch of ‘Sahkar Taxi’ initiative to ensure driver-centric profit models.

• Digital Transformation & Transparency:

• • • Computerisation of PACS and adoption of tech-enabled governance
    • Cluster-based monitoring and real-time data systems for accountability
    • Legal provisions to be reviewed and updated every 10 years

• Youth and Women Empowerment:

• • • Employment and skilling through Tribhuvan Sahkari University.
    • White Revolution 2.0 to boost dairy and women’s cooperative participation.
    • Promotion of cooperative entrepreneurship among youth in new sectors.

• Sectoral Diversification:

• • • Entry into tourism, logistics, insurance, and green energy through cooperatives.
    • Establishment of three multi-state cooperative societies:
      • National Cooperative Exports Ltd
      • National Seed Cooperative
      • National Organic Products Marketing Cooperative

• Sustainability and Global Outreach:

• • • Use of environmental principles and circular economy in operations.
    • Global access through National Cooperative Export Limited.
    • Participation in International Year of Cooperatives with grassroots execution.