Policy Implementation Takes Center Stage as Committee Charts Roadmap for National Cooperation Policy-2025

Policy Implementation Takes Center Stage as Committee Charts Roadmap for National Cooperation Policy-2025​

The Ministry of Cooperation convened the first meeting of the National Level Policy Implementation and Monitoring Committee today, zeroing in on a comprehensive roadmap for the National Cooperation Policy-2025. Guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of "Sahkar se Samriddhi," the committee is tasked with modernizing the cooperative sector to significantly energize the rural economy.

Chaired by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, the meeting was held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan in New Delhi. The committee deliberated on institutional strengthening and ensuring coordinated action across Central Ministries, States, Union Territories, and various cooperative institutions.

Dr. Bhutani emphasized during his address that strong, transparent, and modern cooperatives are essential for contributing to the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047. He stated that the National Cooperation Policy-2025 provides a framework to make cooperatives professional, technology-enabled, member-centric, and transparent economic institutions.

Strategic Pillars Driving Cooperative Transformation​

The deliberations focused on the six strategic pillars outlined in the National Cooperation Policy-2025. These pillars are designed to ensure the sector's sustainable growth.

The focus areas include strengthening the foundation of the cooperative sector, making cooperatives vibrant and competitive, preparing them for future challenges, expanding inclusiveness and outreach, enhancing their role in emerging sectors, and connecting the younger generation with cooperative development.

A coordinated action plan was also discussed involving various ministries, including the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Fisheries, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This multi-ministerial approach ensures integrated progress.

Key Initiatives to Strengthen the Cooperative Ecosystem​

The Committee reviewed several key initiatives aimed at transforming cooperative management and services. These initiatives include developing Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as multipurpose service centers.

There is a push for creating model cooperative villages in every district, ensuring that cooperative outreach reaches all Panchayats. Furthermore, efforts are focused on expanding dairy and fishery cooperatives and promoting ERP-based management systems across the sector.

The progress of crucial ecosystem developments was reviewed, such as the creation of the National Cooperative Database and computerisation of PACS. The establishment of "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University, along with national cooperative institutions like National Cooperative Exports Limited, was also covered.

Membership Growth and Economic Upliftment Targets​

A major emphasis during the meeting was placed on expanding membership and increasing the economic footprint of cooperative institutions. The policy aims to expand cooperative membership to 50 crore by 2035.

The sector's contribution to the national economy is targeted to be increased threefold. Special focus was given to ensuring greater participation from women, youth, and small farmers, thereby linking cooperative enterprises to new markets.

Accelerating Digital Transformation and Capacity Building​

To accelerate digital transformation within the cooperative sector, significant attention was paid to strengthening the National Cooperative Database and establishing a cooperative ranking framework.

The meeting emphasized data-driven decision-making through digital platforms and strengthened cyber security for all cooperatives. Innovation in the sector, including promoting startup culture and skill development, was also discussed.

The role of "Tribhuvan" Sahkari University was reviewed for its capacity to institutionalize research, training, and cooperative education. The Committee strongly underlined that successful implementation hinges on a Whole-of-Government approach involving all stakeholders from the Centre and States.