New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the lives of farmers and rural communities through the cooperative movement while addressing the 91st General Council meeting of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in New Delhi.
Shah emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the cooperative sector is pivotal in the country’s journey toward self-reliance. “The government is committed to improving the standard of life for crores of farmers through the cooperative movement,” he stated, lauding NCDC’s instrumental role in shaping the sector.
The Minister praised NCDC’s success, marked by its disbursement crossing ₹60,000 crore, which has significantly impacted rural economies and cooperative societies across India. He highlighted the corporation’s role in fostering economic growth and strengthening the cooperative sector.
Shah called for a renewed focus on the dairy sector, particularly in the North Eastern states, through the promotion of Milk Cooperative Unions. He proposed collaboration between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NCDC to establish milk producers’ associations, suggesting NDDB oversee the initial phase of production while NCDC provides financial assistance. This initiative, he said, would not only advance the White Revolution but also empower tribal communities and women in these regions.
Shah proposed establishing an app-based Cab Cooperative Society Service to ensure profits are directly distributed to drivers, reflecting the cooperative movement’s principles of equitable growth. He also underscored the importance of the National Cooperative Database in integrating cooperative societies and strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
The Minister unveiled plans for a five-year strategic initiative to enhance the financial capacity of sugar mills, aiming to increase funding to ₹25,000 crore. This plan is expected to bolster the sugar industry’s growth and sustainability. Additionally, Shah proposed exploring the deployment of deep-sea trawlers in coastal states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala to expand fisheries operations.
Highlighting the newly introduced Cooperative Intern Scheme, Shah noted its potential to align state and district cooperative banks with central government schemes and strengthen PACS. He also proposed the establishment of a Cooperative University to further bolster education and training in the sector.
“The capability development program for cooperatives will play a key role in realizing the vision of Sahakar Se Samriddhi (Prosperity through Cooperation),” Shri Shah remarked, underscoring the importance of equipping individuals with practical experience and skills to drive the cooperative movement forward.
Amit Shah concluded by emphasizing that the cooperative sector is integral to India’s economic and social fabric, playing a pivotal role in building a self-reliant nation. With initiatives like the Cooperative Intern Scheme, proposed Cooperative University, and a focus on rural empowerment, the Ministry of Cooperation and NCDC aim to create a sustainable and inclusive model for cooperative development.
