Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, addressed the 91st General Council meeting of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in New Delhi, underscoring the pivotal role played by NCDC in strengthening the cooperative sector and enhancing rural livelihoods.
Shah highlighted the unwavering commitment of the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to uplift the lives of millions of farmers through the cooperative movement. He emphasized the government’s dedication to driving a transformative change in the lives of citizens via the cooperative sector and stressed the critical role played by NCDC in achieving this vision.
The minister lauded NCDC for its significant contribution towards making India self-reliant by empowering cooperatives and fostering growth in the rural economy. Recognizing NCDC’s impactful efforts, Shri Shah pointed out that its success goes beyond its remarkable disbursement milestone of Rs 60,000 crore.
The organization’s initiatives have not only positively influenced the rural economy but have also strengthened the overall cooperative framework across the country, he said.
In his address, Shah underscored the importance of promoting the White Revolution 2.0, particularly in the North Eastern States. He urged for a concerted collaboration between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NCDC to establish milk producers’ associations in the region.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, he explained that NDDB should take charge of the initial stages of milk production, while NCDC provides financial support. Such efforts, according to Shri Shah, would not only boost milk production but also empower women and tribal communities in the region.
The minister also proposed innovative measures such as the establishment of an app-based Cab Cooperative Society Service. This initiative aims to ensure that drivers receive direct profits, enhancing their livelihoods. He further highlighted the importance of developing a National Cooperative Database to streamline cooperative societies and called for the strengthening of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as a critical component of the cooperative ecosystem. Shri Shah emphasized that both NCDC and the Ministry of Cooperation will play a central role in driving these innovative efforts forward.
In an effort to strengthen the sugar industry, Shri Shah proposed a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at enhancing the financial capacity of sugar mills, with a target of increasing funding to Rs 25,000 crore.
He emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative in ensuring the sustainable growth of the sugar sector. Additionally, he suggested exploring opportunities in deep-sea trawler fishing in coastal states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, leveraging NCDC’s expertise to boost this sector.
The Union Minister announced the launch of the Cooperative Intern Scheme, with NCDC serving as the implementing agency. This scheme is designed to support state and district cooperative banks in aligning with central government programs and strengthening PACS. The initiative aims to provide participants with invaluable practical experience, equipping them to advance cooperative principles and contribute to the development of rural communities.
To further reinforce the cooperative sector, Shri Shah proposed the creation of a Cooperative University to foster skill development and knowledge dissemination within the sector. He also highlighted the need for capability development programs to empower cooperatives nationwide, aligning with the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
The minister stressed that NCDC would remain a cornerstone in realizing these transformative goals, ensuring that cooperatives continue to play a vital role in shaping a prosperous and self-reliant India.
Several GC members including NCUI President Dileep Sanghani, NAFSCOB Chairman Ravindra Rao and many others along with NCDC MD Pankaj Bansal and Co-op Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani were present on the occasion.
