New Delhi, July 25: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday launched the National Cooperation Policy – 2025, calling it a “historic step” towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi (Prosperity through Cooperation). The comprehensive policy lays the foundation for transforming India’s cooperative sector into a future-ready, tech-enabled engine of inclusive economic growth by 2047.
Drafted by a 40-member committee led by Suresh Prabhu, the policy received over 750 suggestions, was shaped through 17 consultations, and incorporates feedback from stakeholders including RBI, NABARD, and state governments.
Key Highlights of the Policy
- Ambitious Growth Target: Aim to triple the cooperative sector’s contribution to GDP by 2034 and increase cooperative societies by 30% from the current 8.3 lakh.
- Inclusivity at the Core: Focus on development of rural women, tribals, Dalits, and youth, with a plan to bring 50 crore citizens into active cooperative participation.
- Universal Reach: Goal to establish at least one cooperative unit in every village and five model cooperative villages in every tehsil.
- Six Strategic Pillars: Strengthening foundations, promoting vibrancy, future-readiness, enhancing inclusivity, sectoral expansion, and youth engagement.
- Sectoral Expansion: Entry of cooperatives into taxi services, insurance, tourism, and green energy, with upcoming launches like the Sahkar Taxi initiative.
- Technology & Transparency: Full computerization of PACS and push for tech-driven, transparent management systems across all cooperative tiers.
- Legal Framework: A mechanism for periodic legal amendments every 10 years to maintain relevance.
- White Revolution 2.0: Renewed push for dairy and rural livelihoods with increased women participation.
Implementation Milestones
- 45,000 new PACS creation nearly complete.
- 4,108 PACS approved for opening PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- Over 100 PACS have applied for LPG distribution; others involved in Har Ghar Nal Se Jal and PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
- Establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University to train cooperative manpower.
Shah emphasized that the policy not only aims for GDP growth but also for boosting employment and self-respect, positioning the cooperative movement as a central force in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
