New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to release India’s updated National Cooperative Policy on July 24 in the national capital, marking a significant policy shift aimed at revitalising the cooperative sector over the next two decades.
The policy, shaped under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, replaces the 2002 framework and is designed to guide the sector through 2045, aligning with the broader development goals of Viksit Bharat @2047. The event will be held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan and is expected to witness the presence of policymakers, sector leaders, and cooperative institutions from across India.
Two Decades Since Last Policy Revision
The new blueprint comes after more than twenty years since the last national cooperative policy was framed. Since then, the sector has undergone significant structural and economic changes, prompting the need for a fresh strategy to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
The government has positioned the policy as a roadmap that strengthens the role of cooperatives in agriculture, credit, housing, and allied services, aiming to boost both rural livelihoods and inclusive economic development.
Extensive Consultations, Diverse Input
The formulation process was led by a 48-member committee chaired by former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu. Over a series of 17 meetings and four regional consultations, the committee engaged with stakeholders across states and sectors. According to official data, more than 600 suggestions were incorporated, reflecting voices from grassroots organisations, cooperative federations, and policy experts.
This wide-ranging consultation, officials say, ensures that the policy is both implementable and reflective of local realities, especially in rural and semi-urban India where cooperatives continue to play a foundational economic role.
Sector Institutions to Play Pivotal Role
Several national institutions will be part of the policy rollout and subsequent implementation. These include the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), National Council of Cooperative Training (NCCT), and Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), among others.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Cooperation, heads of cooperative unions, and members of the drafting panel are expected to attend the launch. Discussions will likely focus on translating policy into state-level frameworks and integrating digital infrastructure and modern management practices.
Forward Path for Cooperative Growth
The new policy aims to promote transparency, professionalism, and financial sustainability in cooperative operations. It is also expected to create enabling conditions for cooperatives to partner with private and public entities, expanding their role in national economic growth.
By 2045, the government envisions a cooperative sector that is self-reliant, technologically enabled, and deeply embedded in India’s rural development model. Officials believe this shift will allow cooperatives to contribute meaningfully to employment generation, income security, and decentralised governance.
The July 24 launch is being seen as a milestone for the cooperative movement, bringing renewed national focus to a sector often considered the backbone of rural India.
