Context:
Unveiled in New Delhi by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, the National Cooperative Policy – 2025 aims to reinvigorate India’s cooperative movement by fostering inclusive, technology-driven, and transparent cooperatives. The policy is a strategic blueprint to empower rural, tribal, and marginalized communities and position cooperatives as a catalyst for economic and social development.

What is the National Cooperative Policy – 2025?

A forward-thinking, result-driven policy framework to modernise and scale the cooperative sector, making it a cornerstone of India’s economic growth and social equity.

Core Objectives:

• Triple the cooperative sector’s contribution to GDP by 2034.
• Involve 50 crore active cooperative members.
• Establish at least one cooperative in every village.
• Promote transparency, financial sustainability, and digital integration.
• Empower women, youth, Dalits, and tribal communities.
• Create a self-reliant, employment-rich cooperative ecosystem by 2047.

Key Features:

1. Inclusive, Village-Centric Approach:

• Focus on agriculture, rural women, Dalits, and tribals.
• Development of 5 model cooperative villages per tehsil.
• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to become rural service hubs (e.g., Jan Aushadhi, LPG distribution, water schemes).

2. Expansion and Modernisation:

• 30% increase in the number of cooperative societies.
• 45,000 new PACS under rollout.
• New cooperatives to be introduced in taxi services, tourism, green energy, and insurance.
• Launch of ‘Sahkar Taxi’ – a driver-centric, profit-sharing model.

3. Digital Transformation and Accountability:

• Full computerisation of PACS.
• Implementation of tech-driven governance and real-time monitoring systems.
• Legal frameworks to be reviewed and updated every 10 years.

4. Youth and Women Empowerment:

• Employment and skill training through Tribhuvan Sahkari University.
• White Revolution 2.0 to revamp the dairy sector with stronger women’s participation.
• Promotion of cooperative entrepreneurship among youth in emerging sectors.

5. Sectoral Diversification:

• Cooperatives to expand into logistics, tourism, insurance, and renewable energy.
• Creation of three national-level multi-state cooperatives:
  • National Cooperative Exports Ltd
  • National Seed Cooperative
  • National Organic Products Marketing Cooperative

6. Sustainability and Global Outreach:

• Integration of environmental and circular economy principles.
• Global market access through National Cooperative Export Ltd.
• Active participation in the International Year of Cooperatives, led by grassroots organisations.

Conclusion:
The National Cooperative Policy – 2025 aims to transform the cooperative sector into a dynamic, inclusive, and resilient force for rural development and national growth, with a strong emphasis on technology, sustainability, and community empowerment.

Source: The Hindu (TH)