The Union Ministry of Cooperation has stepped up efforts to accelerate the implementation of the National Cooperation Policy 2025, with Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol co-chairing a high-level review meeting to assess progress and discuss key priorities for strengthening India’s cooperative sector.
Krishan Pal Gurjar attended the meeting in person, while Murlidhar Mohol participated virtually and shared suggestions on the key agenda items.
The discussions covered a wide range of initiatives, including empowering cooperative federations, developing self-reliant cooperative enterprises and advancing White Revolution 2.0 through dairy cooperatives, digitalisation and decentralised biogas production.
A major focus was also placed on strengthening cooperative-led branding, marketing and exports through Geographical Indication (GI) tags, Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), One District One Product (ODOP) and the proposed ‘Bharat’ umbrella brand.
On the banking front, the meeting reviewed the strengthening of the three-tier cooperative credit structure comprising Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) and State Cooperative Banks (StCBs).
Discussions also covered expansion of cooperative bank branches, new financial products, access to government business, cybersecurity and digital capabilities. Strengthening Urban Cooperative Banks through the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) was another key priority.
The meeting further emphasised revitalising weak cooperative societies, facilitating bankable projects with support from NCDC and NABARD, and expanding cooperative activities in agriculture, dairy, handloom, handicrafts and minor forest produce.
Diversification into emerging sectors such as transport, biogas and app-based services was also discussed to enhance members’ incomes and create new opportunities for cooperative enterprises.
The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting inclusive growth and building a resilient, self-reliant cooperative ecosystem in line with the vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’.
Dr Ashish Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation; Raman Kumar, Joint Secretary, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
